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BarcelonaReal Madrid Set for Supercopa Final in Jeddah as Dakar Sees Benavides Win and Calleja’s Heavy Crash

Uncertainty over Kylian Mbappé’s role contrasts with renewed scrutiny of Dakar starting rules after Jesús Calleja’s rollover and retirement.

Overview

  • The Supercopa de España final kicks off Sunday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, with José Luis Munuera Montero officiating and TV coverage varying by market including Movistar+ and Flow.
  • Barcelona arrive after a 5-0 semifinal over Athletic Club, while Real Madrid advanced 2-1 against Atlético in a bruising derby that left several players nursing knocks.
  • Xabi Alonso said Mbappé is "much better" after joining the squad late and that his involvement will be a "measured" decision taken after training with input from medical staff.
  • Jesús Calleja withdrew from Dakar 2026 following a high-speed rollover in Stage 5 that left him with shoulder and other non–life-threatening injuries, renewing complaints about starting-order and dust-related risks in discussions with race officials.
  • Argentina’s Luciano Benavides (KTM) won the Stage 5 motorcycle special between AlUla and Hail, his first of this edition, cutting his deficit in the overall Motos standings to under six minutes.