Not Just a Derby: Barca Stars Root for Real Madrid in a Surprising Twist
10 January 2026
Overview
Barcelona stars sided with Real Madrid in the derby against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, broadcast on the Eight app, the exclusive broadcaster of the Roshn Saudi League.
Locker room dynamics
According to Mundo Deportivo, the derby wasn't just a game inside Barcelona's corridors; the Catalan dressing room watched with keen interest as players expressed a clear preference for Madrid to reach the final in order to seek revenge and restore prestige.
Inside Barcelona's locker room there was complete consensus, as players remember the 2-1 league defeat at the Bernabeu during a period of instability under coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona also faced injuries to Juan Garcia and Raphinha, plus Lamine Yamal's groin issues.
Context and reaction
Meanwhile, the stance inside the locker room contrasted with the mixed views among club officials, where the main driver was the impact of a Madrid victory on the club's prestige and narrative.
Final note
In the end, the match served as a backdrop to a broader dialogue about identity, revenge, and the psychology of the derby.
Punchline 1: If locker-room votes decided trophies, Madrid would already be giving a victory speech—complete with a scouting report on Barcelona's weak spots.
Punchline 2: And if a derby can be decided by a coffee break, maybe the real strategist is the guy who refilled the water bottle—he's the one scripting the sequel.
