Real Madrid is taking a cautious approach with star player Kylian Mbappe, as he is set to begin their pivotal Supercopa de España match against Barcelona from the substitutes' bench. This decision, influenced by his recent recovery from an injury, aims to safeguard his long-term health. Instead, promising academy talent Gonzalo Garcia is expected to lead the line for the team in this high-stakes final. The club's medical staff and coaching team are prioritizing the full recuperation of their key forward, mindful of the demanding schedule ahead, which includes crucial La Liga and UEFA Champions League encounters.
The central point of discussion leading up to the El Clásico fixture in Saudi Arabia revolved around the French superstar's availability. Despite making the journey to join his teammates after their semifinal victory over Atletico Madrid, and expressing a strong desire to participate, his physical condition remained a concern. Earlier reports had indicated that Mbappe was still experiencing discomfort, leading to considerations of pain medication to enable his presence on the field. However, after careful deliberation, the final verdict leans towards a more conservative strategy.
According to sources like MARCA, the definitive choice has been made for Mbappe to start on the bench. This opens up an opportunity for the youthful Gonzalo Garcia, who has been in impressive form, notably scoring a hat-trick against Real Betis. Garcia's recent performances have positioned him as a strong candidate to feature as Real Madrid's primary attacker for the Supercopa final. This tactical adjustment highlights the team's depth and willingness to trust emerging talent in significant matches.
The rationale behind benching Mbappe is primarily to prevent any exacerbation of his injury. Recollections of a past incident, where playing through pain in a Copa del Rey match against Talavera led to a prolonged absence at the start of 2026, underscore the club's prudence. While Mbappe's condition has largely improved, the club's medical team prefers not to take unnecessary risks. Nevertheless, it is highly anticipated that Mbappe will make an appearance later in the game, potentially early in the second half, depending on the match's progression and Real Madrid's strategic needs. Given the likely intensity of the encounter, his contribution is expected to be vital.
Ultimately, this decision reflects Real Madrid's pragmatic approach to managing their star player's health. While the Spanish Super Cup holds considerable prestige, the club recognizes the even greater significance of the upcoming challenges in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Ensuring Mbappe's peak physical condition for these competitions is paramount, making a cautious introduction in the Supercopa final a sensible and strategic move for the club's ambitions across multiple fronts.