FootballManolo González rejects ‘tragic’ label ahead of Atlético clash
On the eve of the match against Atlético de Madrid, the Espanyol coach says he expected criticism after defeats. He backs his squad and wants his team to make its chances count.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (free licence), cropped and styled by SportNestra — author and licence
Munaf Abu Shuqair predicted that Al-Qadsiah would win the Saudi Super Cup. Of the guests on “Dourina Ghair,” his was the clearest call on the identity of the prospective champion. Al-Nassr, meanwhile, featured in none of the reported predictions.
The omission came amid a discussion in which opinions were divided among several possibilities. Show host Khaled Al-Shenaif asked the participants to name their choice for the title. Some backed Al-Ahli; others said the winner of the match between Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah would be best placed to lift the trophy. One guest named Al-Qadsiah outright. Ahmed Atef also viewed the outcome of that match as decisive, without choosing between the two sides before it was played.
The predictions reflect differing views of the title race, but they are not a result. The Super Cup is scheduled to take place in Kuwait, at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, from 19 to 23 December 2026. Four clubs are set to take part: Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Kholood.
The draw has set Al-Ahli against Al-Qadsiah in the first semi-final, with Al-Nassr facing Al-Kholood in the second. The two winners will meet in the final for the title. Al-Nassr’s absence from the guests’ picks therefore says nothing definitive about its prospects: the competition will be decided on the pitch, through performances and results in the decisive matches.
FootballOn the eve of the match against Atlético de Madrid, the Espanyol coach says he expected criticism after defeats. He backs his squad and wants his team to make its chances count.
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