The start of new Spanish league season is almost here, and we today have the season’s first game in Super Copa were Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid in a two legged tie. The Madrid derby is no normal game, it’s a game where the city is divided, and boundaries drawn between the members of the same family. It has always been a feisty affair for the two set of supporters, irrespective of the competition. Both teams have a spent a considerable amount of money in the market, with Atletico having to undergo large scale changes when you compare the two with each other. Atletico have had a longer preseason as compared to Madrid, as they had fewer individuals taking part in the FIFA world cup. But when it comes to the level of fitness and match preparedness, both the teams roughly look on the same stage.
Real Madrid Squad News:
Having already won a silverware this term, the Los Balncos have set their site on winning another one, just before the actual season gets underway. Real Madrid have again heavily invested in the summer market with the purchase of Columbian world cup sensation James Rodriguez alone costing them 86M Euros of their budget. Rodriguez has already gelled in well with attacking trio of Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema. Toni Kroos the other new signing was amazing for the Whites in the game against Sevilla the other day, Kroos and Modric bossed the midfield single handily. Kroos and Modric could be the base to Madrid’s coming season’s success. With these two midfield maestros pulling strings from centre of the park, along with the mad pace and sheer athleticism possessed by Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo respectively, a wonderful new season beckons. But, the major dilemma for Carlo Ancelotti isn’t choosing the 10 outfield players, it’s who he decides to start between the sticks – the club legend Iker Casillas or the Costa Rican Keylor Navas.
Injuries and Suspension:Gareth Bale (back, doubtful), Pepe (calf, doubtful).
Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Probable Line-up: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Alonso, Kroos, Modric, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema
Atletico Madrid Squad News:
The defending La Liga champions, have had a decent preseason under the stewardship of Diego Simone. The Los Rojiblancos have been recruiting well after being for outgoing their stars Diego Costa, Luis Felipe and Thibaut Courtios (parent club). They have brought in the well-established Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic from Bayern Munich. And have done well in fighting of any possible competitions from major clubs to sign Antoine Griezmann. Siquera and Oblak are pretty decent replacements for the now Chelsea players Felipe and Courtios. With Atleti able to keep the rest of the winning squad intact, the La Liga might no longer be a two horse race.
Key player:Mario Mandzukic
Probable Line-up:Oblak, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siquera, Garcia, Tiago, Gabi, Koke, Griezmann, Mandzukic.
Score Prediction: Madrid 2-1 Atletico
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 11pm local time.
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