Real Madrid fans woke up smiling on Saturday. Kylian Mbappe has boarded the plane to Saudi Arabia, and suddenly the Super Cup final looks very different.
Xabi Alonso delivered the update after Madrid edged past Atletico Madrid in the semi-final on Thursday. “He will get on the plane to Riyadh tomorrow,” Alonso said, before adding that the club will assess him on arrival. It sounded cautious, but the subtext screamed confidence.
Mbappe missed the semi-final with a knee issue and stayed back in Spain. Since then, he has trained fully and convinced the medical staff that his body can handle the biggest night.
Alonso leaned into optimism. “From what we know, he is much better now,” he said, stressing that Mbappe completed several full sessions without problems. Madrid expect him to feature, and Barcelona must now adjust.
Mbappe’s presence changes everything. Madrid gain pace in behind, direct running through the middle, and a finisher who turns half-chances into goals. Barcelona lose the comfort of a higher line and face real punishment if they switch off.
Not all the news landed cleanly for Madrid. Rodrygo, brilliant again in the semi-final, now carries a hamstring concern that clouds his availability.
Alonso admitted uncertainty. Tests will follow, and early signs suggest the injury could prove serious. Madrid may have to sacrifice balance on one flank to unleash Mbappe through the centre.
