As often proves to be the case, the final of the Spanish Super Cup will be contested between them Classic rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The arch-rivals have contested the last two finals – winning one each – and Madrid are looking to equal Barcelona's 14th triumph in the competition with victory on Sunday. Los Blancos are the reigning champions but have struggled a crushing 4-0 defeat to the Catalan giants in October, which is likely to blow their minds.
Madrid conquered Majorca and Barcelona was sent by Athletic Club to reach the finals in Saudi Arabia, but both will expect tougher battles in the showpiece event as silverware and bragging rights are claimed.
Here are four key duels that could be decisive Classic.
For Ferland Mendy, the 2024/25 campaign has been difficult. The Frenchman has been sub-par for most of the term and even lost his position at left-back at the end of last year. However, having returned to the 11 for two of Madrid's three outings in the new year, he will expect to start again on Sunday.
Mendy had a superb performance in the semi-final win over Mallorca, keeping a clean sheet and completing more passes than any of his team-mates. It was a confidence-boosting performance, but his ego could be bruised and battered by the end of the Super Cup final.
He will face the insatiable Lamine Yamal on Sunday night, the 17-year-old coming back from injury during his last four wins over Athletic Club. He scored on his hour-long return and looked as sharp as ever after a much-needed rest.
Mendy produced a shocking display in his most recent battle with Yamal, conceding four and consistently looking overwhelmed in October. Keeping the relentless striker in check is an almighty challenge and one that Mendy must complete if Madrid are to lift the trophy in the Middle East.
There were just two minutes between Robert Lewandowski's strikes in October's strike against Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Poland international proved too much to handle for the Spanish champions on that occasion, with his movement and physicality wreaking havoc on Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.
With Militao sidelined for the remainder of the season and David Alaba yet to return from a long-term layoff, defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni – if he's fine after a head knock – will be tasked with stifling Lewandowski on Sunday. The France international has played regularly at centre-back this season, but it is certainly not his preferred role.
Given the damage caused by Lewandowski in the league encounter, Carlo Ancelotti will need to provide extra motivation and guidance for Tchouameni on Sunday, who is likely to be targeted by the experienced Barcelona striker.
Jude Bellingham endured an uncharacteristically sticky spell during the opening months of the current campaign but has since bounced back to life. Seven goals in nine games since the start of December tells the story of a formidable force rediscovering his mojo at a crucial point in the season.
The Englishman has already declared himself in Classicsetting up both La Liga fixtures on break goals during his debut season, and La Bluagrana's lack of presence in defensive midfield was evident.
However, this installment of Europe's toughest derby could be different. Marc Casado will be tasked with denying Bellingham joy, something he effectively did in a 4-0 win earlier this season. Crashing into tackles and getting to ground, he limited the space for Madrid's midfield threats impressively.
Whether Casado can do the same against a resurgent Bellingham remains to be seen, but it will be an intriguing duel between two young dynamos in the engine room.
The debut of Kylian Mbappe Classic it was one that he likely put to the back of his mind. Perpetually offside and smarting from Barcelona's backline, the Madrid No.9 endured a rotten evening from which he struggled to recover. At least until recently.
Mbappe began to find his stride in the final weeks of 2024, scoring five times in December to silence those who had already written him off the Paris Saint-Germain star. That form is yet to carry over into the new year – he has been blanked in Madrid's three games this season – but there is hope for Mbappe as he seeks revenge on Sunday.
17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, who performed brilliantly to frustrate Mbappe in the Classic arc, may be at the end of that energy in Jeddah. The teenager has rarely looked flustered on the grandest stage and is now becoming more and more familiar with what is expected in such giant matches.
Keeping Mbappe quiet is no easy task and Cubars will be hoping for another day off for the World Cup winner. He will need plenty of support from centre-back partner Inigo Martinez, who has proved perfect for Cubarsi for most of the season.