Madrid open defense of Super Cup title Wednesday in Saudi Arabia

MADRID: The Spanish Super Cup is returning to Saudi Arabia with defending champions Real Madrid and Valencia looking to get back on track and Barcelona and Real Betis hoping to maintain momentum.

The first semifinal game on Wednesday features Madrid and Valencia with both teams coming off weekend losses in the Spanish league. Madrid have dropped three points behind league leader Barcelona after a 2-1 defeat at Villarreal. Valencia lost 1-0 to Cadiz at home — their second straight league loss — and are four points from the relegation zone.

Barcelona and Betis meet on Thursday following victories back home. Barcelona rebounded from recent poor results with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid, while Betis continued their good start to the year with a 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano to stay in the Champions League spots.

The final is on Sunday at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.

This is the fourth edition of the revamped Super Cup, which used to be played only between the Spanish league champion and the Copa del Rey winner. Now the runners-up in both competitions also participate, forming a Final Four tournament. Madrid clinched the league ahead of Barcelona last season, while Betis won the cup final against Valencia.

Madrid won the revamped Super Cup in 2020 and 2022. Athletic Bilbao won in 2021, when the tournament was played back in Spain because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Barcelona coach Xavi will be able to count on Robert Lewandowski again after the striker missed the league game against Atletico.

The contract to play in Saudi Arabia was extended through 2024-25.

Real Madrid will be without defender David Alaba and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni because of injuries. The regular starters did not travel with