‘Not Suicide Bombers’ — Alonso on Rumors About Real Madrid Putting Mbappe on Painkillers for Barca Clash

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona is always a showstopper, and when it happens in a final, the stakes are higher than ever. The two sides meet in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Jan. 11.

Xabi Alonso Talks Kylian Mbappé’s Chances of Playing in Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

Barcelona reached the final this week by beating Athletic Bilbao in comfortable fashion in the semifinal. The Catalan side cruised to a 5-0 win, with goals from Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Fermin Lopez, while Roony Bardghji scored a brace after starting ahead of Lamine Yamal.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid edged derby rivals Atletico Madrid in their semifinal. Federico Valverde and Rodrygo scored before Alexander Sørloth pulled one back for the Rojiblancos. Los Blancos managed to hold on to their lead until the final whistle, thanks in part to brilliant goalkeeping from Thibaut Courtois.

Ahead of Sunday’s final, the focus has been on Kylian Mbappé, who has yet to play a match in 2026. He missed the 5-1 league win over Real Betis with a knee sprain, which also kept him out of the semifinal.

Mbappé remained in Spain earlier in the week to undergo rehabilitation but traveled to Saudi Arabia once Real Madrid secured their place in the final. The Frenchman has since returned to training ahead of El Clasico and could feature for Xabi Alonso’s side.

However, the manager dismissed suggestions that Mbappé would be given painkillers to force him into action in the final. He insisted no decision has been made regarding the forward’s minutes and said:

“Injecting Kylian Mbappé with painkillers against Barcelona? We will make the decision, but we are not suicide bombers. He’s much better. The initial idea was that he was just fit to play against Atletico, so we decided not to rush him, but if we reached the final, depending on how he felt, he would come. When he trains today, we’ll have all the information we need to assess him and see if he’s ready to start or play a little less.”

The former Bayer Leverkusen coach acknowledged the risk involved and said the outcome of the decision will only be clear in hindsight.

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“We have to measure the risk. Know what’s at stake and take responsibility for the decisions. We’re not kamikazes when it comes to making decisions. It’s a controlled risk.”

Mbappé scored in the 20-1 win over Barcelona earlier this season in La Liga.