Xabi Alonso Unleashes Shocking Kylian Mbappe Revelation Before Spanish Super Cup Showdown

Real Madrid's manager has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is traveling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to reunite with the squad before the Spanish Super Cup final showdown with Barcelona.

The 15-time European title holders have been missing their top scorer since the beginning of the new year. Mbappé sustained a left knee sprain on December 31st, 2024, adding to the injury list alongside Éder Militão.

The French striker was absent from Real Madrid's domestic comeback, a commanding 5–1 victory over Real Betis at the Bernabéu. Mbappé was also excluded from Alonso's Spanish Super Cup roster, though his side still advanced through the semifinals with a 2–1 triumph over Atlético Madrid.

Los Blancos anticipated being without their star attacker for the Barcelona final. However, Alonso disclosed that Mbappé is "significantly improved" and "in good spirits," prompting his departure from Madrid to fly to Jeddah just days before the upcoming Clásico.

Alonso remained cautious about the Frenchman's possible participation in the crucial encounter, though he acknowledged Mbappé has an "opportunity" to feature on Sunday night at Alinma Bank Stadium.

'Revenge' on the Mind for Real Madrid, Barcelona

While Real Madrid has performed admirably with Gonzalo García spearheading their attack, their optimal opportunity to overcome Barcelona relies on Mbappé's presence. In his previous three encounters against the Catalans, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain forward has netted five times.

Regardless of which starting eleven Alonso deploys on Sunday, Los Blancos will consider anything short of capturing the Spanish Super Cup as disappointment.

"We must emerge victorious," goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Realmadrid TV following the match. "Last season we suffered defeats in two finals against them and we're determined to win, just as they are, having lost the Clásico in La Liga and seeking retribution."

Barcelona indeed conquered their arch-nemeses 5–2 in last year's Spanish Super Cup final and 3–2 in the Copa del Rey final. Madrid secured their initial payback in their first Clásico under Alonso, a 2–1 success at the Bernabéu.

"It promises to be an exceptional contest between two sides eager for victory. We must recover properly and maintain fresh energy on Sunday to succeed," Courtois concluded.