Match Preview: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid.
MADRID, SPAIN – AUGUST 21: Neymar da Silva (L) of FC Barcelona shake hands with Leonardo Baptistao (R) of Atletico de Madrid prior to start the Spanish Super Cup first leg match
Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid in the second and final leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 29th. The Catalan club will have a slight advantage since the match was drawn 1-1 in the first leg and the upcoming game will played on Barca’s turf, Camp Nou.
The first match was tightly contested and saw goals from former Barcelona man David Villa and Neymar, who scored the equalizer for Barcelona. The biggest concern for Barcelona is Messi’s injury and Gerardo Martino has not confirmed whether Messi will play or not. However, he has suggested that Neymar may find a place in the starting lineup, courtesy of a good performance against Malaga. If Neymar is included in the starting lineup, it would be his first competetive start for the Blaugrana.
Barcelona have won the Super Cup a record 10 times. Atletico Madrid have won the tournament only once before. Real Madrid the previous winners could not make it as Diego Simeone’s men famously beat them in last years Copa Del Rey. Barcelona will try to seal a 11th title by making most of their home advantage. Atletico Madrid also look in great touch after demolishing Real Vallecano 5-0. Also, striker Raul Garcia seems to be in the best form of his life after scoring a brace in the last match. The Los Rojiblancos will also be hoping for a good performance from David Villa.
Barcelona had a tough match against Malaga and their usually flawless short passes were not up to the mark. Pedro, Alexis Sanchez, Andres Iniesta and Xavi were disappointing. A victory against Atletico Madrid could give them the vital motivation which is mandatory to survive the La Liga.
Possible Lineups:
Atletico Madrid:
Thibaut Courtois; Juanfran, João Miranda, Diego Godin, Filipe Luís; Koke, Gabi, Mario Suárez, Arda Turan; Diego Costa, David Villa.
Barcelona:
Victor Valdés; Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Xavi,Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta; Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi, Neymar.