Match Preview

The first Derbi Madrileño will take place on Wednesday when Real take on Atlético in Tallinn, Estonia. A. Le Coq Arena, home of FC Flora, is the site of the big battle for the 2018 UEFA Super Cup.

Atlético have improved their squad this season, adding the likes of Thomas Lemar, Gelson Martins, and Rodri. They’ve also lost former captain Gabi and more recently Kevin Gameiro. Real have had a less than ideal summer, losing Ronaldo to Juventus and not making any true Galatico signings.

There’s a lot of bad blood between these two sides, it’s only gotten worse with the recent signing of Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea, a keeper who once wore an Atlético kit. Both sides played on Saturday; Real in a 3-1 win in the Trofeo Bernabéu against Milan and Atlético in a 1-0 loss to Inter.

While the Madrid Derby is always an entertaining rivalry to watch, it makes it even more so when the two sides are directly competing for a trophy. Both clubs would love to beat the other and establish the first true bragging rights of the upcoming season.

This is also the last match before the new La Liga season kicks off, which is Sunday against Getafe for Real Madrid. It’s also the first time this season we’ll see the full squad together again.

Injuries/Suspensions

While both Vallejo and Odriozola are listed in Real’s released squad, both will not be available against Atlético due to injury.

Atlético remain without Lucas Hernández.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Isco, Bale, Benzema

Obviously, the big debate is whether Navas or Courtois get the start in net. I would think Navas gets the start as Courtois has yet to take in a full match with this Madrid backline. It is also still Navas’ starting spot to lose.

Modric is another question in the lineup. With all the rumored interest with Inter, his immediate future is still up in the air (though it seems like he will stay). I would think he starts as they called him up for this and he did come on as a substitute against AC Milan.

I also think Isco will start over Asensio in Wednesday’s match. Ødegaard isn’t even included in the released squad, this probably all but confirms he will go on loan again.

Atlético Madrid

Oblak; Juanfran, Giménez, Godin, Filipe Luis; Lemar, Partey, Saúl, Koke; Griezmann, Costa

Prediction

Real Madrid-Atlético Madrid 2-1

The Madrid Derby last season was pretty low-scoring. A 0-0 draw and a 1-1 draw were what the results were in both fixtures between the two rivals. I think that may be the case here yet again, especially with both clubs not wanting to make mistakes and figure each other out.

Real have been the winners of the last two Super Cups, defeating both Sevilla and Manchester United respectively. Much like the Champions League, Real will be looking for a three-peat yet again in an UEFA tournament.

The first rivalry of the season will soon be underway with both bragging rights and the UEFA Super Cup up for grabs before the dawn of the new Spanish season.

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM UEFA SUPER CUP

Date: 08/15/2018

Time: 09:00pm CEST, 03:00pm EST, 12:00pm Pacific.

Venue: Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia.

Available TV: TNT (USA), BT Sport 2 (UK), Movistar Liga de Campeones (Spain)

Available Streaming: WATCH TNT, BT Sport Live.