Jeddah, January 09, 2025 – Real Mallorca head coach Jagoba Arrasate is bracing for a tough challenge as his side prepares to face Spanish football giants Real Madrid in Thursday’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final. The eagerly anticipated clash is set to take place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, marking a significant moment for the Mallorcan team in one of the most prestigious tournaments in Spanish football.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday evening, Arrasate acknowledged the daunting task ahead, given Real Madrid’s reputation as one of the most successful and dominant clubs in world football. However, the coach remained optimistic, highlighting the unique opportunity the match presents for his players. "Facing Real Madrid is always a challenge, but it's also a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our abilities on a grand stage," Arrasate remarked. "We have prepared ourselves well, and we believe we have what it takes to compete. Our goal is to give everything we have and earn a place in the final."
The Spanish Super Cup, which pits the winners of La Liga against the Copa del Rey champions, along with the runner-up from La Liga, has long been a prestigious fixture in Spanish football. For Mallorca, this semi-final presents a rare chance to go toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s elite clubs, and Arrasate knows the importance of the moment for his team. Despite the tough opposition, the coach expressed confidence in his players’ ability to rise to the occasion.
In the same press conference, Mallorca's captain, Antonio Raillo, shared his thoughts on the upcoming match and the team’s preparations. Raillo, who has been a key figure for the club over the past seasons, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception the team had received in Saudi Arabia. The Mallorcan squad was met with flowers and heartfelt gestures from local fans, some of whom are originally from Mallorca, making the players feel right at home in a foreign land.
"The welcome from the fans here in Saudi Arabia has been truly heartwarming," Raillo said. "We’ve received flowers from Mallorca supporters living here, which has been a beautiful surprise. It’s clear that there’s a special connection between our two cultures, and it’s wonderful to experience that support away from home."
Despite the positive reception, Raillo made it clear that the team remains fully focused on the task ahead. He acknowledged the immense challenge of facing Real Madrid but emphasized the importance of maintaining concentration and discipline throughout the match. "We know that Real Madrid is one of the toughest teams in the world, but we have a group of players who are committed and focused," Raillo said. "We understand that it won’t be easy, but we are ready for the challenge and will give our best to try to secure a win."
Raillo also mentioned that, should the team have some free time during their stay in Saudi Arabia, they were eager to explore the rich cultural and tourist attractions the Kingdom has to offer. "If we have some time between matches, we’re looking forward to exploring Saudi Arabia," he said with a smile. "There’s so much history and beauty here, and we’re excited to experience it."
As Mallorca prepares for one of the most significant matches in the club's recent history, the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Real Madrid promises to be a thrilling encounter. For Arrasate and his players, this is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity to prove their mettle against one of the best teams in the world while representing their club and the island of Mallorca on an international stage. With a positive mindset and determination to succeed, Real Mallorca will look to make their mark in Jeddah and push for a spot in the Super Cup final.