Real Madrid square off against Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup. Madrid has the opportunity to win a trophy, albeit a largely ceremonial one. Here are three things to look out for as Madrid face off against Manchester United.
1. Can Real Madrid finally shake off their pre-season cobwebs?
Pre-season friendlies are mostly meaningless affairs. Nevertheless, fans often look to the friendlies for a sign of how their team might be progressing in their preparations for the upcoming season. If the pre-season is any indication of how Real Madrid is shaping up for their impending defense of the La Liga and Champions League title, Madrid fans might be in for a bit of a rough ride.
Real Madrid lost their opening three matches of the pre-season, and then finally scraped by with a win on penalties against the MLS Allstars. Zidane expressed his displeasure with Madrid’s suboptimal performances in the pre-season.
The Super Cup match against Manchester United is our first match where there is actually something on the line. How seriously to take this competition is a matter of debate, but we’re finally at a stage of slightly greater importance than a simple friendly. Real Madrid will have the opportunity to show up one of European football’s most storied clubs, and best a former manager in Jose Mourinho. Los Blancos have pride and a trophy on the line, and an opportunity to show fans that the pre-season was ultimately just a time for players to regain their fitness.