Real Madrid vs. Sevilla | UEFA Super Cup preview.

Another Spanish Final!

Real Madrid are going to play against Sevilla in the European Super Cup match. Los Blancos won the Champions League final in May, while Sevilla won the Europa League for the record fifth time in the history of the club, which meant that exactly these two teams will meet in the final of the UEFA Super Cup.

Zinedine Zidane can’t use his best players, because of different reasons. Cristiano Ronaldo received an injury in the final match of the Euro 2016. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are also injured, while Toni Kroos and Pepe have received a little more resting time. That’s why, the French legend must rely on Alvaro Morata in the attack. He is also expected to play Lucas Vazquez and Isco.

The team from Andalouse has a new head coach – Jorge Sampaoli. The former manager of Sevilla, Unai Emery signed for Paris Saint-Germain. The new manager will need some time to adjust to his new team. To continue with, Sevilla sold their best striker Kevin Gameiro, who joined Atletico Madrid. As a part of the deal, Luciano Vietto signed for Sevilla. So, Vietto is expected to have a really big role in Sevilla’s attack. Kranevitter also changed Atletico Madrid for the winners in the Europa League. Ever Banega and Coke, who were also key players for Sevilla left the club.

The History:

Real Madrid have won the UEFA Super Cup twice (in 2002 and 2014). Sevilla have only done it once (2006). It’s interesting that both teams have taken part in 4 final matches, but Sevilla have lost 3 of their games, while Real Madrid have lost twice!

The Europa League winners will take part in the UEFA Super Cup final for the third consecutive year. In the last year’s edition Sevilla lost 4-5 to Barcelona after extra time. In a very dramatic game Barcelona led by 4-1, 40 minutes before the end of the match, but Los Rojiblancos surprisingly equalized to 4-4. However, in the extra time Pedro Rodriguez secured the victory after a goal in the 115th minute.

Possible Starting Line-ups:

• Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Kiko Casilla; Daniel Carvajal, R. Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Luka Modric; Lucas Vazquez, James Rodriguez, Isco; Alvaro Morata.
• Sevilla (4-3-3): Sergio Rico; Mariano, Adil Rami, Daniel Carrico, Sergio Escudero; Steven N’Zonzi, Claudio Kranevitter, Franco Vazquez; Vitolo, Luciano Vietto, Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Head to Head:

Both teams have met in the final of the European Super Cup once. The match was in 2014 and Real Madrid won 2-0. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice (30’ and 49’) for Los Blancos, securing the victory. To continue; these two teams know each other very, very well. They have met on 154 occasions! But, Real Madrid have a huge advantage in the Head to Head matches. Los Blancos have recorded 82 victories, scoring 332 goals. Sevilla have won 45 matches and have bagged 210 in Real Madrid’s net. There have also been 27 draws.

I am very happy to be here with the new season campaign about to get under way. Real Madrid are not the favourites, I think that both teams want to win the trophy. I am not concerned, because we are ready for the game. Of course, it would be great to have the complete squad here, but I’d prefer that Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos carry on with their particular preparation in Madrid.Zinedine Zidane