Real Madrid reach Super Cup final after edging Atletico in eight-goal thriller

In this Saudi continuation, Atletico started strong within the first seven minutes as Mario Hermoso rose above the rest to redirect Antoine Griezmann's delivery into the bottom corner.

Not discouraged by this setback, Carlo Ancelotti's team sought to settle into the game. After Alvaro Morata missed a golden opportunity to increase the Colchoneros' lead, Real Madrid equalized in the 20th minute.

The goal came in a similar fashion to Atleti's opener, as Antonio Rudiger met Luka Modric's inviting corner and powered a fantastic header past Jan Oblak.

Buoyed by this moment, Los Blancos went in search of a quick second goal. Their positive approach paid off when Dani Carvajal's well-placed pass into the box was brilliantly flicked into the far corner by Ferland Mendy.

The match continued at a frantic pace as halftime drew near. Despite Real Madrid posing a greater threat in the final third, it was Diego Simeone's men who ensured they went into the break on level terms. Griezmann cut inside Modric on the edge of the box and unleashed a clinical strike past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

This goal elevated the Frenchman to the top of Atletico's all-time scoring charts. The Colchoneros came close to taking the lead in the early stages of the second half, but Samuel Lino's left-footed effort narrowly missed the target.

Real Madrid, grateful for the missed opportunity, looked to intensify their efforts as the final 25 minutes approached. However, Oblak stood tall in the Atleti goal, denying Carvajal's attempts from inside the box.

With the score still level, both teams pushed for a late winner. Simeone's side believed they had found it when Kepa inexplicably punched Rodrigo Riquelme's cross against Rudiger's head and into the net.

Nevertheless, Real quickly equalized with only five minutes left in the 90-minute mark. Carvajal unleashed a powerful shot into the net after Atletico's last-ditch defending, resulting in an intense contest that went into extra time.

The team led by Ancelotti had the upper hand in the early stages of the additional 30 minutes, but clear-cut opportunities were scarce.

However, with a mere four minutes remaining, a final twist occurred. Joselu's header from close range deflected off the unfortunate Stefan Savic, granting Real a late lead.

In a desperate attempt to secure a last-minute response, Atleti pushed everyone forward, including Oblak.

However, Los Blancos sealed their victory when Brahim Diaz calmly slotted the ball into an empty net from long range. This win sets up a clash with either Barcelona or Osasuna in the upcoming final on Sunday.

As for Atletico, Simeone's men will be eager to seek immediate revenge when they face Real in the Copa del Rey next week.