Predicted Real Madrid Lineup To Face Barcelona In The Second Leg Of Spanish Super Copa
Real Madrid will look to get their hands on their second silverware of the new season, when they take on Barcelona in the second leg of the Spanish Super Copa, on Wednesday night, at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Zinedine Zidane’s men, who won the UEFA Super Cup this season, beating Manchester United, already have one foot through the door in this fixture, after beating their arch-rivals 3-1 in the first-leg at Camp Nou on Sunday night, thanks to an own goal from Gerard Pique and two spectacular efforts from Cristiano Ronaldo and Marco Asensio.
As a result, they will come into the second leg as the overwhelming favourites to win their second trophy of the season. But Zidane will know that the Catalans cannot be taken lightly going into Wednesday’s fixture.
Team News
The biggest news for Madrid is that their maverick, Cristiano Ronaldo, will be ruled out for the game after being sent off in the first leg. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who was a standout performer in the first period, is also likely to be unavailable after being taken off injured. There is positive news in the form of Luka Modric being available, after being suspended for the first game.
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Formation: 4-4-2 (Diamond)
Keylor Navas (GK)
The Costa Rican has grown in confidence and it showed in his performance in the first leg. A definite starter in goal.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
The right-back is one of the primary attacking outlets for Madrid with his regular forward forays. Will be involved from the start again.
Raphael Varane (CB)
Was absolutely colossal in the first-leg of the tie and Zidane will be hoping to see more of the same from his compatriot on Wednesday.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The captain also had a strong outing on Sunday and will need to reign in his rash side in the second leg and not put his team under pressure.
Marcelo (LB)
Another chief attacking outlet for Madrid, the Brazilian will start at left-back again, ahead of new signing Theo Hernandez.
Casemiro (DM)
The Brazilian ace will sit the deepest in the middle of the park and look to thwart Barcelona from getting their passing game going.
Luka Modric (CM)
The influential midfielder wasn’t a part of the matchday squad on Sunday due to suspension, but expect him to return to the lineup for the second leg in the place of Kovacic.
Toni Kroos (CM)
The World Cup winner becomes an important member for Madrid with Barcelona’s high-pressure tactics under new boss Ernesto Valverde, as he brings composure and control for the Galacticos. Will start.
Isco (CAM)
Was a danger throughout his time on the pitch, with his incisive movement and clever footwork. He is playing some of his best football in Madrid colours and should be a confirmed starter.
Gareth Bale (CF)
Didn’t have the greatest of the games, playing in a more central role at the top. With Ronaldo out for the tie, he will start again, but he needs to do more in such a setup.
Karim Benzema (ST)
Another ineffective display on Sunday night, but Zidane trusts his fellow countryman and backs him to come good. Will partner Bale at the top.