Real Madrid will try and add their name to the history books once again as they chase for a third consecutive European Super Cup, something that has never been done before.
The UEFA Super Cup is a matchup between the current title holders of both the Europa League and Champions League in which both play one match head to head on neutral grounds. Real Madrid will take on city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in Tallinn, Estonia tomorrow at the Le Coq Arena. Not only is does the match carry a lot of weight because it’s a Madrid derby but it’s a chance for Real Madrid to make history again.
Having won the title in both 2016 and 2017 they now have the chance to win it three times in a row. This is something that has never been done before. If Real are able to leave Estonia triumphant they will be tied with Barcelona and Milan who both have five championships of their own in the competition. Real Madrid is currently the second highest winners with 4 titles to their name.
On the continental stage, both of these teams have met numerous times over the past few years. Real Madrid won their La Decima against Roji Blanco back in 2014. Two years later they would meet in another Champions League Final, again Real would come out on top. The season after that these two teams would meet again, this time in the semi-finals. Los Blancos would win and booked their ticket to another Final.
🇪🇪🏨 Checking into our hotel in Tallinn! #RMSuperCup pic.twitter.com/ZuaSTCLjv0
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 13, 2018
With the pre-season out of the way, Julen Lopotegui and his men must now shine brighter than ever. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo had many sceptical of this sides ability to score and win in big games. The Derby against Atletico will be the first look at Real Madrid in competitive fixtures without CR7. This trophy is Real’s first chance of silverware this season, and hoisting it will be a huge confidence boost for the team and fans.
📝 This is our 29-man squad for the UEFA Super Cup! #RMSuperCup pic.twitter.com/0LhOTXxdYs
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 13, 2018
Atletico Madrid has been much busier than Real this summer transfer window and packs a lot of heat. In the final third they have robust power and force making them a serious threat to any team. Unlike Real Madrid, they aren’t trying to rejig their starting XI but tuning the small things.
This match will also serve as a test to Julen Lopotegui, in the other technical area stands the mastermind that is Diego Simeone in his all-black suit. Without question Simeone is one of the best football managers in the modern era, unfortunately, his team’s inability to claim top spot has overshadowed that fact. Julen had great success with the Spanish National Team, now it’s time to see what he can do with this evolving Real Madrid.
The last two USC’s have been a joy to watch with action-packed matches against Sevilla and Manchester United. Both times Madrid prevailed and their experience will be a great asset. Real have five players on their current roster that have scored in the previous two outings in the USC. Let’s hope that they can get on the scoresheet once again.