Madrid derby in Jeddah: Will Kylian Mbappé play? How to watch in India?
The Spanish Super Cup semi-final tonight features Atlético de Madrid facing Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia. Kylian Mbappé, ruled out due to a knee sprain, leaving 21-year-old Gonzalo García to start.
Last Updated: 04.10 PM, Jan 08, 2026
The spotlight of world football shifts to Saudi Arabia tonight as city rivals Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid battle for a place in the Spanish Super Cup final. However, the biggest question on every fan's mind is whether Real Madrid’s talismanic forward, Kylian Mbappé, will be leading the line.
The big question: Is Kylian Mbappé playing?
In a massive blow to Los Blancos, Kylian Mbappé will NOT play tonight. The French superstar has been officially ruled out of the entire Spanish Super Cup tournament due to a knee sprain suffered during an open training session on December 30.
Mbappé did not travel with the squad to Jeddah and has remained in Madrid to continue his rehabilitation. While there was initial hope that he might recover in time for a potential final on Sunday, medical staff have confirmed he requires at least three weeks of recovery.
In his absence, 21-year-old academy graduate Gonzalo García, who recently scored a stunning hat-trick against Real Betis, is expected to start alongside Vinícius Júnior.
How to watch in India?
For fans in India, the "Derbi Madrileño" will be a late-night affair. Here are the essential streaming details:
Team news: Returns and absences
Apart from Mbappé, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is missing Éder Militão (hamstring) and Brahim Díaz, who is currently representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On a brighter note, summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to the squad following a thigh injury and could make an appearance.
Atlético Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, are without Clément Lenglet and Nicolás González.
Midfield engine Pablo Barrios remains a major doubt with a calf strain, likely handing a starting role to Conor Gallagher.
Possible starting XIs
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, G. García, Vinícius Jr.
Atlético de Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Pubill, Hancko; Simeone, Gallagher, Koke, Baena; Sørloth, J. Álvarez.