Real Madrid qualified for the final of the Spanish Super Cup after defeating Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the semifinal. However, the victory came at a cost, as the White Team left the King Fahd International Stadium dealing with several physical issues, most notably the injury of German defender Antonio Rüdiger, whose participation in the final against Barcelona has become almost impossible.

The match saw several Real Madrid players leave the field suffering from fatigue and muscle cramps, with a noticeable limp from Jude Bellingham, although the club has not issued any official statement indicating that the English international is injured. Meanwhile, Rüdiger was the most obvious case, as he left the pitch in the 68th minute due to physical pain. Real Madrid later confirmed that he is very likely to miss the highly anticipated final on Sunday against Barcelona.

Rüdiger put in a strong physical performance, especially in battles inside the penalty area against Alexander Sørloth, but an injury forced him to leave the game. At the same time, the other defender, Raúl Asensio, was substituted due to physical discomfort, which forced coach Xabi Alonso to finish the match with a defense composed of Valverde, Tchouaméni, Carriças, and Mendy, with Mendy being the only player who played in his natural position.

According to press reports, Asensio will undergo medical examinations in Jeddah, but he will be ready to participate in the final and will do everything possible to be there. The same applies to Rodrigo, who is experiencing some physical discomfort.

The potential absence of Rüdiger raises questions about who will partner with Asensio in central defense. The logical choice might be Housen, but the Spanish defender did not play even a single minute against Atlético, having missed Real Madrid's first match of 2026 against Real Betis due to injury, which casts doubts on his physical readiness to face a strong attack like Barcelona's. As for the option of David Alaba, it seems unlikely given his limited appearances this season and the lack of clear reliance on him by Xabi Alonso, especially as he approaches the end of his time with the club.

If Dayot Upamecano is not fully ready, Real Madrid may have to "invent" a new center-back, with two prominent options: Tchouaméni and Carriço. Tchouaméni has extensive experience in this position and delivered an outstanding performance against Atlético, especially with his crucial intervention in the final minutes that saved the team from conceding an equalizer. However, sacrificing him in midfield could weaken Real Madrid's balance against Barcelona in what is expected to be a battle for control in the midfield.

On the other hand, Carreras is considered the leading candidate for the center-back position, despite his inconsistent performance in this role throughout the season, as the team has not managed to keep a clean sheet when he played as a center-back. However, the current circumstances give him an advantage to start as a starter if Huysen is not 100% ready.

The final decision remains in the hands of Xabi Alonso, amid a race against time to reorganize the defense before facing Barcelona in the highly anticipated Clásico final. It seems that Real Madrid will enter the match with noticeable defensive concerns despite the joy of qualifying.