Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid will face each other on Wednesday night (8:00 PM) in Riyadh, in the semi-final of the battle for the Spanish Super Cup. This brings back memories of four years ago when Federico Valverde played a special leading role in this clash.
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The last encounter between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in the Supercopa tournament took place in January 2020.
It was a highly anticipated final between the city rivals that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The match remained deadlocked for the entire duration of regulation time, and as extra time unfolded, tension reached its peak.
In the dying moments of extra time, Álvaro Morata, representing Atlético, suddenly found himself in a promising position to score the winning goal. However, just when it seemed that he might seal the victory for his team, Federico Valverde intervened in a decisive and controversial manner. Valverde made a tactical foul to bring down the advancing striker, an action that would prove pivotal in the context of the match.
Naturally, Valverde received a red card for his deliberate foul, leaving his team with ten players on the field. However, he accepted the punishment without any objection, knowing that he had sacrificed himself for the greater good of the team. His decision turned out to be crucial, as the match eventually ended in a 0-0 draw.
The stalemate forced the clash into a dramatic penalty shootout, where Zinédine Zidane's Real Madrid emerged victorious, clinching the Supercopa title. Valverde's bold and selfless action during the match became a defining moment and earned him both admiration and controversy among football fans and pundits.
As the much-anticipated rematch between Real and Atlético approached on Wednesday night, Valverde was asked about the possibility of repeating a similar action if circumstances demanded it. The midfielder wasted no time in affirming his commitment to the team, saying, "Of course. As long as it helps the team. If we are already trailing 3-0, then it doesn't make sense."
Valverde continued, reflecting on the close nature of the previous final, "In the final we played back then, it was very close. If it were the same situation now, I would do it again, yes. You don't want to hurt your opponent, but I would do anything for my team."
The Spanish Super Cup, featuring Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Osasuna, is once again being hosted in Saudi Arabia. The country has not only been a host for major tournaments but has also attracted numerous top football talents in recent years. However, Valverde was quick to clarify his stance on a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
"There is absolutely no chance I will go to Saudi Arabia today," he asserted firmly. "Ten, twenty, or thirty million euros extra won't change my life. I am at Real Madrid, the best club in the world, and I love my life here. The same goes for my family, so that's clear." Valverde's loyalty to Real Madrid and his dedication to the team's success remain unwavering, making him a key figure in the club's pursuit of victory in the Spanish Super Cup and beyond.
