Real Madrid’s presence in the Spanish Super Cup is almost a seasonal guarantee, but their path to the 2026 edition was particularly dominant.
As one of the most successful clubs in the history of the competition, Los Blancos consistently find a way to secure their spot among the elite four.
Whether through league consistency or a deep run in the domestic cup, their qualification is a testament to their enduring quality.
If you want to know exactly how they punched their ticket to Jeddah for the Spanish Super Cup, the answer lies in their double-pronged success during the 2024-25 campaign.
Real Madrid’s Path Through La Liga and Copa del Rey
Real Madrid officially qualified for the Spanish Super Cup by finishing as the runners-up in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey during the 2024-25 season.
In a highly competitive league race, they pushed rivals Barcelona to the limit, eventually securing the second-place spot.
Simultaneously, they navigated a difficult bracket in the King’s Cup to reach the final at La Cartuja. By finishing in the top two of both major domestic competitions, they left no doubt about their right to compete for the first trophy of 2026.
The “Double Runner-Up” Logic in the Spanish Super Cup
Interestingly, because the same two teams (Barcelona and Real Madrid) occupied the top two spots in the league and also faced off in the cup final, the Spanish Super Cup rules were put to the test. Under the RFEF’s regulations, if the cup finalists are already qualified through the league, the remaining spots “trickle down” to the next highest-placed teams in La Liga.
While Real Madrid didn’t need the handout, their dual qualification opened doors for Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club.
This ensures the Spanish Super Cup remains a blockbuster event featuring the four most consistent teams in Spain.
Maintaining the Legacy in the Spanish Super Cup
With their qualification secured, Real Madrid heads to Jeddah aiming for their 14th title in this historic competition. The Spanish Super Cup has become a vital part of their mid-season strategy, offering a chance to build momentum for the Champions League knockout stages.
Fans can expect a fierce semi-final showdown against Atlético Madrid on January 8, 2026, as Carlo Ancelotti’s men look to avenge their 2025 final loss.
Their consistent qualification for the Spanish Super Cup proves that even in transition, the club’s standards remain at the pinnacle of world football.
Do you think Real Madrid’s “double” qualification proves they are the most consistent team in Spain, or was Barcelona’s sweep more impressive?
