Watch: Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde shows ‘shades of Roberto Carlos’ with ‘absolutely stunning’ free-kick in Supercopa de Espana semi

After Jude Bellingham had been fouled just moments into the semi-final following a foray forward, Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo stood over the ball.

Valverde’s stance alone channelled memories of legendary former Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos, as he geared a long, central run-up to attack the ball with venom.

Highlights: Valverde screamer helps Real Madrid beat Atletico to reach Supercopa final

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But few could foresee just how much purchase the midfielder would get on his strike, as just 76 seconds into the match, he thumped his side ahead with a scorching effort which left Jan Oblak with no chance in the Atletico net.

Despite seemingly a powerful, flat strike of the ball, Valverde’s stunning effort – which managed to evade the towering Alexander Sorloth on the far side of the wall – had an element of finesse about it, with a slight curl inside to take it away from the upright.

Without finding the top corner, it had Oblak well beaten. The Slovenia goalkeeper got fingertips to the ball, but nowhere near enough of a contact to meaningfully divert it away.

‘Absolutely sublime!’ – Rodrygo doubles Real Madrid’s lead with cool finish

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“That is absolutely stunning,” Summerton remarked on TNT Sports’ commentary. “You’ll rarely see a football struck as perfectly as that. What a way for Real Madrid to start this semi-final. It’s a wonder goal from Valverde.”

Virgo commented: “We’ve had an unbelievable start to this game.

“I tell you now, Jan Oblak is a world-class goalkeeper. But he stands absolutely no chance at saving this.

“You will not see a sweeter strike of the ball. I’ll tell you what he does so well, he bends it on the outside of the wall. Shades of Roberto Carlos. What a strike, what a start. Unbelievable.”

The Roberto Carlos reference is a nod to the famous Brazilian, who also represented Real Madrid with distinction, and his stunning strike for his country against France in 1997.

Roberto Carlos of Brazil takes a free kick during the match between France and Brazil in the Tournament de France at the Stadium de Gerland on June 03, 1997 in Lyon, France.

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Valverde’s celebration was one befitting of such a strike, as he ran to the corner flag, smacking his head with his hands, before sliding in front of the supporters.

And the derby was wholly more competitive than the other semi-final, which saw Barca romp past Athletic Club with a 5-0 victory.

Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead on 55 minutes at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, after he was played through by Valverde to slot past Oblak.

Sorloth, though, pulled Diego Simeone’s side back into contention just three minutes later when he headed home Giuliano Simeone’s cross.

Highlights: Barcelona thrash Athletic Club to reach Spanish Supercopa final

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Atletico could not force an equaliser, however, with Valverde’s contributions ultimately decisive.

The 27-year-old is not typically regarded as one of Real’s more attacking outlets from midfield – often credited for his ball-winning and engine in the middle.

And while his stunning free-kick marked his first goal of the season, his assist for Rodrygo was his seventh of the campaign – in a season in which he has continued to prove he is among the best central midfielders in world football.

This year marks the fourth in succession that the Supercopa final has been contested between Clasico rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.

How to watch the final of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup

Sunday’s final between Real Madrid and Barcelona will get underway at 19:00 on TNT Sports 1.