Real Madrid are the underdogs in tonight's Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona and that means the pressure is on the Catalans. Xabi Alonso's men beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semi-finals to book another El Clasico final in Saudi Arabia.
Madridistas won't need reminding of last season's final when Los Blancos lost 5-2 in a tense affair. But that's in the past and tonight, Alonso has the chance to win his first trophy since replacing Carlo Ancelotti last summer.
But Alonso might need three of his players to come to the fore in Jeddah and put in performances that ultimately are key in a Supercopa win.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has relished El Clasico clashes since arriving at Real Madrid and has an excellent record against Barcelona. He has appeared eiight times, and scored four goals including the winner in a 2-1 win earlier this season.
The English midfielder was impressive against Atleti, especially in duels and that could be vital for Alonso against Barca. He has a knack for arriving late in the box and getting on the end of a low-driven cross and his profile could suit tonight's final if Los Blancos are able to hit the Catalans on the counter.
"It's always great to play a Clasico and even better to win” - Bellingham on his El Clasico success (via Real Madrid's website).
Bellingham's unpredictability is also an important trait that could help guide Madrid to victory. He needs to replicate some of his past El Clasico displays.
Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga is set to continue in midfield and the Frenchman will be tasked with keeping Barca's playmakers quiet. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will look to control proceedings in the middle of the park and dealing with them is fundamental for Madrid to prevail.
"Whenever he plays, his dynamism and energy and ball-carrying is always so useful to us" - Alonso on Camavinga's importance (via Madrid Universal).
He needs to disrupt the Blaugrana's rhythm and support Alonso's men on the counter. He will be helped out by compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni but his defensive mobility might just be what leads to a Los Merengues Supercopa triumph.
Alvaro Carreras
Alvaro Carreras was superb in the Madrid win over Barca in October 2025, managing to keep Lamine Yamal quiet and that is his mission again tonight. The Spaniard has been one of Alonso's best performers this season and needs to be at the top of his game in Jeddah.
There are concerns over Antonio Rudiger ahead of the final so how Alonso sets up his defense remains to be seen. But in any case whether it be Rudiger or Dean Huijsen, Carreras has to work well on that left side because those two can get got at.
"I've enjoyed all the matches I've had against him. I did well; I study my opponents a lot, and it was a great game for the whole team" - Carreras on his Yamal battle (via Tribuna).
Carreras needs to also link up well with Vinicius Junior who is out of form. There isn't a better game for the Brazilian to bounce back from his struggles and the left-back could have a massive influence on this.