Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid UEFA Super Cup final

Real Madrid are all set to start a new era in their history as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Sup
15 Aug, 2018

Real Madrid are all set to start a new era in their history as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in Estonia on Wednesday.

Real have lost two legends this year Cristiano Ronaldo and their head coach Zinedine Zidane. However, Julen Lopetegui has replaced Zidane but the only signings so far have been defender Alvaro Odriozola, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Brazilian youngster Vinicius Junior.

Courtois and Vinicius could make their competitive debuts against Atletico at the 15,000-capacity A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, but Spain international Odriozola is out with injury.

Ronaldo's exit could mean a bigger role in the team for Gareth Bale, who spent much of last season on the bench but has impressed in pre-season.

Real have won the Champions League three years in a row and Lopetegui is aware of the expectations.

Much of Real's success in the Champions League in recent seasons has come at Atletico's expense.

Diego Simeone's side were beaten in the 2014 and 2016 finals by Real and also lost in the semi-finals in 2017.

But they won the Europa League last season and have strengthened over the summer with the signings of Thomas Lemar, Gelson Martins, Rodri, Nikola Kalinic and Santiago Arias.

Luka Modric has been named in the Real Madrid squad despite continued uncertainty over his future.

Modric remains a target for Inter Milan but Sky in Italy report the chances of Real president Florentino Perez letting Modric leave for the Nerazzurri are decreasing.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018

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