Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
After holders Barça thumped Athletic Bilbao 5-0 on Wednesday, things were much tighter for Real against city rivals Atlético Madrid, but they emerged 2-1 winners at King Abdullah Sport City.
Federico Valverde scored a spectacular free kick in only the second minute, with Rodrygo doubling Real's advantage 10 minutes after halftime.
Alexander Sorloth pulled one back just three minutes later but, despite a host of chances, Atlético could not find an equaliser.