29.9 C
Bangkok
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Real Madrid close in on Super Cup but criticism remains of Saudi ‘image-washing’

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has been key to their success so far this season

RIYADH: Real Madrid will be chasing their first trophy in Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell as coach when they face Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, but criticism continues to surround the Spanish federation’s decision to stage the tournament in Saudi Arabia.

Madrid scraped past Barcelona 3-2 after extra-time in Riyadh on Wednesday before Athletic sprung a surprise by coming from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Thursday.

The annual competition, which includes the top two in La Liga from the previous season, as well as the most recent Copa del Rey finalists, is being played in Saudi Arabia until 2029 as part of a deal that earns the Spanish football federation around 30 million euros ($34.2 million)…

Read more…

Latest Articles