Real Madrid advance to the Spanish Super Cup final; Courtois: We must win the game.

Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semi-final of the 2025/26 Spanish Super Cup, thanks to goals from Valverde and Rodrygo, to advance to the final. Courtois stated that the team must win the final and compete for the championship with full physical fitness.

Five minutes into the match, Bellingham was fouled while dribbling, awarding Real Madrid a free kick. Valverde then took the free kick and fired the ball directly into the top corner of the goal, giving Real Madrid a dream start of 1-0.

In the 55th minute of the second half, Valverde made a diagonal pass, Rodrygo received the pass and broke through Le Normans' defense before slotting the ball into the net from the penalty area, extending Real Madrid's lead to 2-0. In the 58th minute, Giuliano Simeone chipped a pass into the box, and Selot headed the ball into the net, pulling one back for Atletico Madrid to make it 2-1.

Ultimately, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in this derby and will face their formidable rivals Barcelona in the final.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said, "This was a derby and a very important victory. After losing to them in La Liga, we were very eager to win this game and reach the final again. We gave it our all because the pitch conditions were not good and the weather was very hot, so it was a huge test."

"We played as a unit, both defensively and offensively, and scored two very good goals. We also did a great job defensively. It was a great game and an important victory. We are back in the final, which is exactly the final we want to win."

Speaking about Valverde's goal, Courtois said, "It was a magnificent goal. I couldn't help but exclaim when I saw the ball fly out. It was so beautiful. I knew Valverde was very powerful, but no one expected the ball to curve like that outside the post."

Regarding his individual performance, Courtois said, "I feel great and have been working hard to maintain this level of performance. There have been a lot of doubts about me since I suffered a knee injury two years ago, but I am happy to prove with my performance that it was just a hurdle in my life and doesn't mean anything. I am happy to be able to play in this condition and I hope to continue to help the team in the final."

It's worth noting that Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in the finals of two cup competitions last season, including the Spanish Super Cup.

Courtois said, "We have to win the game. We lost to them twice in the final last year, and this time we want to win. Just like them, they lost to us in the league's El Clásico and they must be eager for revenge."

"This will be a great match, and both teams are eager to win. We must recover well and make sure we are in good physical condition to fight for victory."