Oblak's Curse Strikes Again: Can Atlético's Keeper Avenge the Madrid Derby in the Spanish Super Cup?

Jan Oblak, the Slovenian goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid, is set to defend his side in the high-stakes semifinal against fierce rivals Real Madrid on Thursday, with the match broadcast on the Eight app, the exclusive broadcaster of the Roshen Saudi League.

AS reports that Oblak has faced Real Madrid 35 times; his record is fairly balanced (nine wins, eleven losses), but he still has a score to settle with the club.

How many penalties has Oblak saved?

In the recent Champions League Round of 16, Atlético lost on penalties; Oblak saved one penalty (from Lucas), while Courtois saved none, but Yuri’s shot hit the crossbar and Julián’s goal was ruled out for a double touch.

AS notes that Oblak's record against Madrid across his career, including Benfica, shows four saves from nine penalties. In open play for Atlético, his rate improves: he has saved ten of 21 penalties (about 48%).

The paper also notes that Oblak has failed all penalties he took against Madrid—three attempts—in the 2020 Spanish Super Cup and the 2016 and 2015 Champions League.

Oblak has never shied away from a big moment, and this semifinal could be the perfect stage for him to finally turn the pages in this long-running city saga.

Punchline 1: If Oblak saves another penalty, the crossbar might start demanding royalties for all the attention it gets.

Punchline 2: In this derby, the goalkeeper isn’t just guarding the net—he’s filing a restraining order against the ball.