Real Madrid emerged victorious over Atletico Madrid in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia, securing the win in extra time.
Mario Hermoso of Atletico and Antonio Rudiger of Real both found the net with headers, while Ferland Mendy converted Dani Carvajal’s cross to give Real the lead.
Antoine Griezmann notched his 174th goal for Atletico, and Rudiger scored an own goal before Carvajal’s play forced the match into extra time.
A late own goal from Stefan Savic and a goal by Brahim Diaz secured the victory for Real.
In injury time, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak ventured forward, but Diaz outpaced him in a race that began in his own half. Diaz then calmly slotted the ball into an empty net from 40 yards.
Real Madrid will face either Barcelona or Osasuna in the final on Sunday, depending on the outcome of the other semi-final clash on Thursday. If Barcelona wins, it would set up a second consecutive El Clasico final, with Barcelona emerging victorious with a 3-1 scoreline last year.
Antoine Griezmann etched his name in history with a superb strike from the edge of the area, surpassing the legendary Luis Aragones as Atletico’s all-time leading scorer, having beaten two defenders in the process.
However, Diego Simeone’s team fell short despite their efforts, coming within five minutes of reaching the final before Carvajal’s goal and just four minutes away from a penalty shootout before Savic inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
Atletico’s upcoming match is another encounter with Real Madrid, as the capital rivals are set to face off in the Copa del Rey last 16 next Thursday.