Valverde: We must be self-critical and continue to improve.

Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the 2025/26 Spanish Super Cup semi-final thanks to goals from Valverde and Rodrygo. Valverde stated that the team must correct the mistakes made in the match, and must also engage in self-criticism and continue to improve.

Valverde scored directly from a free kick in the 5th minute, giving Real Madrid a dream start with a 1-0 lead.

In the 55th minute of the second half, Valverde made a diagonal pass, Rodrygo received the pass and broke through Le Normans' defense before shooting into the net, helping Real Madrid maintain their 2-0 lead over Atletico Madrid.

In the 58th minute, Giuliano Simeone chipped a pass from the right wing into the box, where Thiloth headed it in, pulling one back for Atletico Madrid to make it 1-2.

Ultimately, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1, and Xabi Alonso's team will face Barcelona in the final for the championship.

Real Madrid midfielder Ernesto Valverde said after the match, "This is my first goal of the year. After so many games without scoring, today's game, whether it's scoring again or helping the team win, is a fantastic game for us. We also need to reflect on ourselves; we created chances, but they had more."

“I think our opponents played better than us. We need to keep correcting these problems and continue to improve because we are a very good team. We must be more united when we are under pressure. This is also part of football; we need to know how to persevere and keep attacking.”

Valverde also said, "The team always wants to start the new year with a victory, and it is very difficult to come back from the downturn after conceding a goal. We relaxed a bit after scoring early, which made it difficult to control the ball and execute the game plan, and that basically described the whole game. We did have a lot of chances, but most of them came from counter-attacks or quick attacks. We must be self-critical and continue to improve."

"Both sides have played too many games, and the high temperature here has also affected all the players. We train for this, but the body will always send out signs of fatigue at certain times. Especially in the last few minutes, you can clearly feel that both sides are struggling."

In addition, defending champions Barcelona also had high morale after defeating Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the semi-finals.

When asked about the final, Valverde said, "We must be well prepared, have plenty of rest, and be mentally prepared for the championship."