By: Luis Imana
Riyadh’s King Fahd Stadium will host a clash of titans when Real Madrid and Barcelona meet in the final today (14:00 CEST). Spain Super Cup.
Coming in as current champions, the Meringues will look to extend their positive record against the Catalans in this competition. Both clubs have seen each other eight times in the Super Cup, with Madrid winning seven and losing once.
Carlo Ancelotti will put all his chips on Karim Benzema to break through Ter Stegen’s fence and level Barcelona with thirteen trophies in the Spanish tournament.
“To win you have to play a very complete game and yes, play a complete game. Intensity is not important. The aspect that worries us the most is the better defense. We did better against Valencia, but in goal. I hope it doesn’t happen again. The diagonal of the two centers is what saves lives and it has to work,” he explained Ancelotti in the press conference.
On the other hand, Barcelona arrive motivated after being at the top of La Liga. A win over his eternal rival would be the ingredient he needs Xavi Hernandez ahead of the final stage of the 2022-2023 season.
Despite the fact that the Meringues have players with more experience in such instances, the Barca boss is confident his coaches will show a hunger for glory that will cement them as the team with the most Spanish Super Cups won.
“We have a lot of players who haven’t won titles at Barça and that has to be an advantage. Tomorrow is a huge opportunity for these players and the veterans need to show class and experience. It’s an advantage that players who haven’t won show their hunger for titles,” emphasized Xavi in the preview.
Robert Lewandowski He will be responsible for injuring Courtois’ goal. The Polish gunner knows what it means to score against the capital side, having scored six goals for them during his time at Bayern Munich.
Now the 34-year-old forward will be looking for his first goal against the current Champions League champions in the Barcelona shirt.
The last time Real Madrid and Barcelona met to define the Spanish Super Cup was the 2017 edition, where the Meringues won 3-1 in the first leg and 2-0 in the second leg. In this key Benzema was present on the scoreboard.
DID YOU KNOW …
Again. The Super Cup will be held for the third time Saudi Arabia. The previous two were in 2020 and 2022.
Currently. Ronaldo left a message of encouragement for Real Madrid ahead of the Barcelona clash.