Madrid's Big Derby: Vinícius Jr. vs Julián Álvarez in the Spanish Super Cup Showdown

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has named the starting lineup for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid, scheduled for Thursday at 20:00 local time. The match continues the tournament that began yesterday with Barcelona's emphatic 5-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, sending Barça toward the final, which Eight will broadcast exclusively.

Alonso's XI features Thibaut Courtois in goal, a defensive line and a midfield trio of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham, with Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior supported by Gonzalo García in attack.

The Atlético Madrid side is led by Diego Simeone and includes Jan Oblak in goal, a sturdy defense, a midfield backbone of Koke, Conor Gallagher, Julián Simeone and Alex Baena, and a strike pairing featuring Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez.

The winner earns a place in the final against Barcelona on Sunday.

The Spanish Super Cup is broadcast exclusively via the Eight app, the broadcaster for the competition in the region.

Punchlines: If this derby had a sniper, it would be aiming for the net — one precise shot, and the joke lands in the back of the net. And in football, as in life, the best punchlines come after the whistle.