It is finally time for FC Barcelona to take on Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, both sides have had to defeat their respective semi-final opponents in Osasuna and Atletico Madrid. However, the main event is finally upon them, as Barcelona and Real Madrid look towards their own triumph.
For Xavi, the importance of this match can not be stressed enough. While it is the first major title up for grabs this season, it has benefits to Barcelona beyond just the silverware. There are obvious financial benefits to look forward to, but also a potential mentality shift.
Keeping this in mind, the Barcelona head coach has decided to take no chances with his official starting XI. Many of the key stars have retained their place, while a returning pearl who makes the cut.
Spanish goalkeeper Inaki Pena is the man responsible for keeping Real Madrid at bay this time around. After having put on a solid performance against Osasuna in the previous game, Barça will hope that their deputy goalkeeper can continue in that stride.
The two central defenders in front of him are set to be Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. Knowing the quality and danger of Real Madrid, it will be imperative that their advances through the central channel are as restricted as possible.
On either side of them, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are deployed as the two fullbacks. The Spaniard was apparently playing with back pain in the previous outing, but as per Xavi, he is now completely okay to compete against Los Blancos.
In the midfield, Frenkie De Jong returns as the pivot after an immense last game in the clash against Osasuna. Ahead of him, Ilkay Gundogan returns as one of the two interiors. The other interior is Pedri, who finally marks his first start since returning from injury.
The frontline sees Sergi Roberto take on the position of the false winger on the left flank. Apart from him, Robert Lewandowski returns as the team’s primary striker. On the Polish ace’s right-wing, Ferran Torres is the final piece of the puzzle as a starter.
