What: Spanish Super Cup
Who: Real Madrid (2) vs Barcelona (3) (first leg score in brackets)
When: Wednesday 29th August, 2012, at 21:30 UK time
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
Redemption
Without a win in their last three games, Real Madrid have sounded the alarm as their season got under way in the worst possible manner. In La Liga, the club have only amassed one point out of a possible six and find themselves five points adrift of Barcelona, the side they prepare to meet in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup now, with hopes of reversing the 3-2 setback suffered a week ago at the Camp Nou.
Real Madrid appeared to be on their way towards a 3-1 defeat against Barcelona last Thursday, but an error on the part of goalkeeper Victor Valdes allowed Angel di Maria to pull one back for the hosts. What seemed to be optimism heading into the second leg was quickly shot down though as Los Blancos tasted defeat in the league.
Now, only a win will do in order for the side to make up with their fans, according to club skipper Iker Casillas.
“Winning a title against Barca is appealing for Real Madrid. We want to redeem ourselves”, said the goalkeeper.
Precious Points
Barcelona were set to suffer a 1-0 defeat at Osasuna at the weekend, but a red card shown to the hosts’ Patxi Punal allowed last season’s league runners-up to hit the net twice, courtesy of Lionel Messi and ensure six points out of six in their first two league games. Now travelling to the Spanish capital to wrap up the Super Cup, Barcelona have the chance to pounce on a wounded and confused rival.
Barcelona take a lead into this game, but the Super Cup trophy is far from secured as Real Madrid managed two away goals in the first leg, which come the end of the night, could prove costly for Tito Vilanova’s side.
“It will be very difficult against Real Madrid, a very tough match”, declared Lionel Messi after the game against Osasuna.
While Real Madrid will welcome the return of Pepe to the squad, Barcelona could very well be deprived of Carles Puyol after the stopper suffered a broken cheekbone in the team’s latest game. Barcelona have coped without their talismanic captain before, but at such a crucial point, they would want him to play.
Recent form
Real Madrid:
Real Madrid 1-1 Valencia (19/08; La Liga)
Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (23/08; Super Cup)
Getafe 2-1 Real Madrid (26/08; La Liga)
Barcelona:
Barcelona 0-1 Sampdoria (20/08; Joan Gamper Trophy)
Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (23/08; Super Cup)
Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona (26/08; La Liga)
Key absences
Real Madrid: None
Barcelona: Eric Abidal; Thiago; Isaac Cuenca; Carles Puyol (doubt)
Players to watch
Real Madrid – Sergio Ramos: Fingers are being pointed at the Spanish international for what was an uncharacteristic display against Getafe, where he assumed much of the responsibility for both goals. With the return of usual defensive partner Pepe, Ramos will hope for a better display.
Barcelona – Andres Iniesta: The Ballon d’Or nominee was not up to his high standards against Osasuna, but when his team meets Real Madrid, that is bound to change. Iniesta is the spark in the centre of the midfield, and on top form, is almost impossible to deal with.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid were dealt a hard blow in the last week and will need something special to overcome Barcelona on the night, even at the Bernabeu. The hosts have shown weakness and mediocrity in their recent games and usurping Barcelona might prove to be particularly difficult now. Barcelona will lift the Super Cup.
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