A Classic Trophy with New Ambition

The Spanish Supercopa has transformed dramatically in the last decade. What once was a modest curtain-raiser between two Spanish clubs is now an international spectacle. Held in Saudi Arabia since 2020, the tournament has gained prestige, money, and global attention. Yet, the essence of the competition remains the same: to determine who starts the season as Spain’s true top dog.

Let’s explore how the Supercopa evolved—and what it means in the modern football landscape.

Origins: When La Liga Met the Copa del Rey

The Spanish Supercopa began in 1982. Its format was simple: the La Liga champion faced the Copa del Rey winner in a two-legged playoff. The match often served as a warm-up for the season ahead. Though less intense than league battles, the rivalry still produced fireworks.

If one team won both domestic trophies, the runner-up in the Copa del Rey stepped in. Occasionally, the title was awarded automatically if the same club held both trophies.

The early decades featured memorable clashes. Barcelona and Real Madrid dominated the title count. Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, and Deportivo La Coruña also had their moments of glory. Still, the trophy felt secondary compared to La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

A Bold Rebrand: The 2020 Format Shift

In 2020, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) shocked fans by announcing a new format. The Supercopa would now include four teams:

• La Liga winner

• Copa del Rey winner

• La Liga runner-up

• Copa del Rey runner-up

And the biggest twist? The matches would take place in Saudi Arabia, under a €120 million agreement.

The decision sparked controversy. Critics questioned the ethics of partnering with Saudi Arabia, citing concerns over human rights and sportswashing. Others argued that moving the Supercopa away from Spain weakened its identity.

But the RFEF defended the move. The new format meant more matches, more money, and more exposure for Spanish football globally.

New Format, New Intensity

Under the new structure, the Supercopa now feels like a mini-tournament. Two semifinals and a final—all played over five days—offer excitement and unpredictability. The final typically features Spain’s biggest clubs, ensuring high TV ratings and global viewership.

For example, the 2022 final between Real Madrid and Athletic Club in Riyadh drew attention from all over the world. Madrid, led by Karim Benzema and Luka Modrić, claimed the trophy. The final felt like a true European clash, despite being played thousands of kilometers from Spain.

In contrast to the old two-leg format, this setup brings more drama. There’s no second chance. Teams must perform or go home.

Financial and Political Impacts

The Saudi deal brought a windfall to Spanish football. Clubs, especially those outside the elite circle, benefited from revenue sharing. For the RFEF, the partnership allowed them to fund grassroots development and women's football projects.

However, the arrangement also drew political scrutiny. Some fans accused the RFEF of prioritizing profit over principle. Matches were sometimes played in front of half-filled stadiums.

Still, the money talks. The Supercopa's expansion allowed Spain to compete with the Premier League's global marketing machine. And as long as Real Madrid and Barcelona bring star power, the show will go on.

Big Clubs, Big Moments

Since its reinvention, the Supercopa has produced intense showdowns. El Clásico fixtures have become a regular feature in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, Barcelona dismantled Real Madrid 3–1 in the final, with young stars like Gavi and Pedri stealing the spotlight.

The match served not only as a trophy bout but as a statement of intent. Barcelona’s victory helped validate their youth project under Xavi Hernandez.

Other clubs have also benefited. Athletic Bilbao stunned Real Madrid in 2021’s semifinal and then beat Barcelona in the final. For them, the tournament offered a shot at silverware and international recognition.

How Coaches Use the Supercopa

For managers, the Supercopa is more than a trophy. It’s a test.

Coaches often use it to solidify tactics, build confidence, and settle early-season debates. Winning the Supercopa can provide crucial momentum—especially if the club is under pressure.

For example, when Zidane returned to Real Madrid in 2020, his Supercopa win helped restore confidence. Similarly, when Xavi lifted the trophy in 2023, it calmed critics who questioned his inexperience.

Though it's not as prestigious as La Liga or the Champions League, the Supercopa holds real weight in shaping a team’s narrative.

Spanish Fans and Their Mixed Feelings

Despite the excitement, many Spanish fans feel alienated. The matches now take place outside Spain. Local supporters miss out. The neutral atmosphere in Saudi Arabia often lacks the passion seen in Spanish stadiums.

Also, the decision to sell the Supercopa to a foreign government has raised ethical concerns. Supporters have called for a return to Spain or at least more transparency in how decisions are made.

But others argue that the game has changed. Football is now global. To stay competitive, Spanish football must embrace commercial opportunities—even if it means playing in the Middle East.

Looking Ahead: Will the Supercopa Stay Abroad?

The Saudi deal runs through 2029, so the Spanish Supercopa won’t be returning home soon. However, the format has proven successful. TV ratings are high. Clubs take the competition seriously.

Still, as fan culture evolves and political pressures rise, the RFEF may need to adjust. Offering a rotational venue or hosting matches in Spanish-speaking countries could be one solution.

Either way, the Supercopa is here to stay—just no longer as a quiet pre-season trophy.

Final Thoughts

The Spanish Supercopa has grown from a local two-team clash into a global four-club tournament. While some traditions were lost, the excitement has increased. Matches now feel meaningful, competitive, and international.

Though controversy surrounds its location, few can argue that the Supercopa hasn’t become a key fixture in Spain’s football calendar. In a sport where change is constant, the trophy has found a new identity—one shaped by stars, strategy, and the shifting sands of modern football.

The Power of Repetition in Soccer: Key to Mastery

Keep the conversation going! Follow Soccer Wizdom on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube for more soccer insights and updates.