Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said his players were “tired, but very happy” following their dramatic 3-2 Supercopa de Espana win over Barcelona.
Los Blancos advanced to the final after prevailing in a thrilling encounter at the King Fahd Stadium on Wednesday.
Madrid were twice pegged back, so the contest went into extra-time as strikes from Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema were cancelled out by Luuk de Jong and Ansu Fati.
But Ancelotti’s side edged their noses back in front through substitute Federico Valverde in the 98th minute, claiming their fifth successive win over Barca.
And the Italian saluted the efforts of his players, who must prepare to do battle against either Atletico Madrid or Athletic Bilbao in Sunday’s final.
“I have to be honest, Barcelona played a good game,” he told Movistar.
“I don’t think Barcelona dominated us, they controlled the ball; we were very effective on the counter. It was an entertaining game.
“There was a good atmosphere in the stands and although it is not the most important title, it was an important game.
“The physical and mental effort was very big, but we held up well until the end. The changes helped; we are tired, but very happy.
“The important thing is to be in the final, not the rival.”