Barcelona Avoid Real Madrid in Semi-Finals for Revamped Super Cup in Saudi Arabia This January

The 2020 Spanish Super Cup is to be held in Saudi Arabia, with Valencia taking on Real Madrid and Barcelona facing Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the revamped competition this January.

Previously a one-off game between the winners of La Liga and Copa del Rey held at the start of the season, the competition has this year been extended to two semi-finals and a final, as revealed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday.

It has also been confirmed that the competition is to be held in Saudi Arabia for the next three seasons – a move RFEF say should help the ‘image’ of Spanish football ahead of a bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

“The Spanish Supercup will be held in Saudi Arabia during the next three years and will do so in winter in order to lighten the calendar of competitions, as claimed by clubs and players,” a statement confirming the location said.

“The new format was already announced last February by the president of the RFEF, Luis Rubiales, and in addition to the change of date, it entails a Final Four. Through this transformation, clubs will be able to plan their preseason better.

“In addition, the fact that this competition is internationalized will allow the Super Cup to be valued and, at the same time, will contribute to make visible and improve the image for the 2030 World Cup nomination.”

The Spanish Super Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia, according to @partidazocope 

The RFEF will announce the host at 16:00 CET when the draw is made for January’s tournament.

The 3 year agreement is worth €40 million per year  #LLL
李⚽️ pic.twitter.com/j3S2CjyYUk

— La Liga Lowdown 李⚽️ (@LaLigaLowdown) November 11, 2019

Some had been concerned by the possibility of holding the tournament in Saudi Arabia, due to the treatment of women and minorities in the country, but RFEF have said that the decision comes with assurances that women will be given ‘unrestricted access’ to the matches – while also announcing the launch of an undetermined women’s football tournament

“The agreement reached between the RFEF and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation contemplates the unrestricted access of women to the matches, and the launch of a women’s soccer competition in Arabia,” the statement goes on.

“Football is essential to open borders, improve societies. It can be used as a blockade or as an element of change and the Federation has chosen the latter.”

Draw and Schedule for Super Cup 2020:

Semi Finals:

Valencia vs Real Madrid (8/1/2020)

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid (9/1/2020)

Final:

Valencia or Real Madrid vs Barcelona or Atletico Madrid (King Abdullah Stadium –

12/1/2020)

Let’