"Barcelona and Real Madrid bring the El Clasico to Spanish Super Cup final for a third year as the latter defend crown. Who: Barcelona vs Real Madrid What: Spanish Super Cup final Where: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia When: Sunday, January 11, at 8pm (19:00 GMT) How to follow: We will have all the buildup on Al Jazeera Sport from 15:00 GMT, in advance of our text commentary stream."
"Alonso has steadied Real Madrid's ship in recent weeks after a tumultuous period, but the Spanish Super Cup final seems a make-or-break moment for the beleaguered coach. On the brink of the sack after a dire run of form, Alonso responded by leading Madrid to five consecutive victories, the fifth coming on Thursday against Atletico Madrid in the semifinals. Beating Super Cup holders Barcelona would bring Alonso the first trophy at the helm."
"A second victory in two matches against Barcelona would buy Alonso time and breathing room. But succumbing to Hansi Flick's side would give Real president Florentino Perez a further excuse to remove a coach he hired in June but has never appeared convinced by. Spanish media reported that Perez was set to sack Alonso if the team lost against Manchester City in the Champions League on December 10, which they did, but the team's improved performance bought the coach another chance."
Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in the Spanish Super Cup final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Sunday, January 11, at 20:00 local (19:00 GMT). Barcelona enter as defending champions after beating Real in last year's final and remain the team to stop in La Liga. Real Madrid face increasing pressure with manager Xabi Alonso under particular scrutiny following a poor run of form. Alonso has steadied the side with five consecutive wins, including a semifinal victory over Atletico Madrid. A win would deliver Alonso his first trophy at Real; a loss could prompt action from president Florentino Perez. Al Jazeera Sport will provide buildup from 15:00 GMT ahead of live text commentary.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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