Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Spain – Super Cup Final
Date: Sunday, 12 January 2019
Kick-off at 18:00 UK/ 19:00 CET
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City (Jeddah).
Last February, it was announced that the two teams regular Super Cup format will be changed to four teams, with Saudi Arabia hosts the tournament. There is no question that there have been changes in the controversial, but the competition has thrown up two interesting games already, and others will take place this weekend.
Real Madrid have opened their 2020 with a 3-0 win over Getafe on January 4 before recording a 3-1 victory over Valencia in the Super Cup first semifinal on Wednesday night. Toni Kroos, Isco and Luka Modric scored for the side of Zidane, who has had an extra 24 hours of rest.
In the grand scheme of things, Los Blancos will feel that they have bigger fish to fry this season, but the chance to land the Super Cup at the expense of their rivals means that can not underestimate the importance of the match.
This is a trophy that Real Madrid has won on 10 occasions, with their last success coming in 2017. They will also enter the match having not lost in any competition since October 19, which has seen them follow at the top of La Liga, besides qualifying for the stage last-16 Champions League.
There has to be one of the Madrid derby between the two teams this season and that goes behind Wanda Metropolitano in September, with the pair tense goalless draw.
Atletico's place in the new-look competition confirmed the courtesy of finishing second in La Liga last season. They are, on paper, handed tougher semifinal of Real Madrid were paired with Barcelona.
The Spanish champions led 2-1 just past the hour on Thursday, but the ultimate goal from Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa Diego Simeone's side saw record a 3-2 win to book their place in Sunday's final of the exhibition.
The Red and Whites have not been without their problems this season, but they have now won their last five matches in all competitions, overcoming Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League, Osasuna, Real Betis and Levante in La Liga, and Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cups.
Somewhat surprisingly, Atlético have only won this competition on two previous occasions, the last of which in 2014. As with Real Madrid, they will not be seen as a priority, but there is a lot of interest on their performance against the side of Ernesto Valverde in the semi-finals.
News Team
Real Madrid
Marcelo is expected to start at left-back ahead Ferland Mendy's favorite.
Fede Valverde supported to get the start in midfield after impressing Zinedine Zidane in the last few months.
Luka Jović and Rodrygo must make an experienced front line to Los Blancos.
Atletico Madrid
Jose Gimenez and Felipe will continue at center-back for Atletico Madrid with severe Last impressed lately.
Angel Correa is expected to start on the right side of midfield after scoring the crucial semifinal.
Koke has woken and therefore should be rested as a precaution.
Match Facts
On Wednesday's first semifinal Valencia eased past Real 3-1 including that the purpose of Toni Kroos corner. Zinedine Zidane side raced into a three-goal lead before the end of the Valencia-minute penalty took a little shine off the win.
Real Madrid will again be without the services of Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard, while Gareth Bale will play a part in the final as the Wales international is struggling with a chest infection.
Luka Jović scored only one goal in 16 games for Real Madrid this season.
Atletico had only won this competition on two previous occasions, the last of which in 2014.
Atlético progressed to the final in a much more dramatic defeat La Liga leaders Barcelona 3-2 on Thursday. Los Rojiblancos 2-1 down with ten minutes remaining before a penalty Alvaro Morata and attack Angel Correa secured a dramatic victory.
Alvaro Morata has scored two goals in three games against Real Madrid.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid have won their last five competitive matches.
Diego Simeone's side had been uncharacteristically leaked in recent weeks, however, conceded in the last three games.
Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 15 games and have conceded just once in their last four games
Prediction: Real Madrid 2 1 Atletico Madrid
