A new battle is about to begin. The Spain Supercup will be played again in Saudi Arabia, and one of the semifinal duels will be between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both teams will be measured this Wednesday, January 12 at 2.00 pm (Peruvian time) at the King Fahd Stadium, located in Riyadh, capital of the Asian country.
The blaugranas and meringues have carried out their first training sessions in the Middle East region, waiting to see each other again. The duel that is approaching will be a totally different match than if he lived in October of last year for the Santander League. The two teams have faced changes for tomorrow’s duel.
FC Barcelona received at the Camp Nou Real Madrid on Sunday 24 of the tenth month of 2021. The commitment ended up being in favor of the Madridistas, who won 2-1. The goals were scored by David Alaba and Lucas Vázquez. Barza’s only goal came on discount minutes due to the work of Sergio Kun Agüero.
This classic meant several breaking points for both casts: Madrid fighting for the lead and sending a message of authority to the other cadres of the Spanish league. And for his part, the blaugranas were touched, especially, Ronald Koeman who was coaching.
After their last confrontation in Catalonia, the Catalans crossed a path of darkness; however, it seems that now they are coming back to light. One change was that of the technical director: Koeman left the bench after the negative results. His last match as DT culé took place in the fall against Rayo Vallecano 1-0 (three days after facing Madrid).
Xavi Hernandez He appeared on the Barza’s schedule to take over the helm of a ship that needed a new captain. The former player stopped managing Qatar’s Al-Sadd and put on the diver of his old club, with which he achieved glory on several occasions locally and internationally.
Since his debut as a coach (November 20, 2021), Hernández has played 11 official matches, which includes all competitions and a friendly. In total, he has managed to add five victories, four draws and three defeats.
In this short process under the command of the former ‘6’, Barcelona was eliminated from the Champions League. Xavi could only lead one match and it was against the mighty Bayern Munich.
As for players, there were also changes, one of them was the retirement of Kun Agüero who due to heart problems decided to hang up the chimps for the sake of his health. His last as much as a professional he did in that October classic.
Another footballer who left culé shop was Philippe Coutinho, who, without many minutes in the team, went on loan to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Likewise, reinforcements arrived such as Dani alves who returned to play games with the Barça shirt: one for the Copa del Rey and another for the Spanish league. What’s more, Ferran torres ex player Manchester City joined as one of the brand new signings of Xavi’s team.
Also, players appeared who would have a good future, and not too distant, such as Jutglà (22 years old). So far, it takes “387 minutes and two goals” according to FC Barcelona on its website.
For his part, Real Madrid has not gone through so many alterations so far this campaign, on the contrary, Carlo Ancelotti has been consolidating his team at the top of the local league table. The meringues try to improve against teams that close far behind. In total they have lost only three times: two in the Spanish league and one in the Champions League – to the Sheriff of Peruvian defender Gustavo Dulanto.
Regarding their staff, they have recovered Eden Hazard It is no longer constantly injured and tries to function as a replacement part warranty. However, they continue with an indisposed Gareth Bale who aims to make his final season in Madrid.
The highlight of the team that wears white is the scoring duo between Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior. Counting The league Y Champions League the French striker has 22 goals and eight assists, while the Brazilian star 14 goals and seven passes on goal.
Madrid is at a slow pace to win all possible titles, and its first great goal of the year is this Spanish Super Cup against its classic rival.
For the game this Wednesday, beyond the operation of the players as a team, the individual crosses will be more than interesting. One of them will be between Alves against Vinicius. The experienced right-back against one of the most dangerous wingers today.
Also, the coverage of Gerard Piqué against Benzema; the recoveries and safe passes of Busquets or Casemiro to give balance to their teams; the duel to keep zero in his goal: Ter Stegen or Courtois, among others.
FC Barcelona: Marc Andre Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Nico, Gavi; Ousmane Dembélé, Luuk de Jong, Ferran Jutglà. DT: Xavi Hernandez.
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Luka Modrić, Casemiro, Toni Kroos; Marco Asensio, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior. DT: Carlo Ancelotti.
Source-larepublica.pe