Real Madrid News
Frankfurt goalkeeper believes they can beat Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup
There can be no better start to a season than one with silverware. While it is usually unheard of to win a trophy in the very first game of the season, the UEFA Super Cup provides that very opportunity.
Real Madrid take on Eintracht Frankfurt in this year’s edition of the competition. The game will be played in the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
Ahead of the clash against Los Blancos, UEFA Europa Cup-winning goalkeeper Kevin Trapp spoke to the press. When asked to give his two cents on who would win, the German exuded confidence in his team, as revealed by MARCA.
“We can beat them.”
He then went on to talk about the good attitude in the Eintracht dressing room and added that the team could well win their first silverware of the season in Helsinki.
The Champions League winners are usually the favourites to lift the Super Cup, and it is unheard of for the underdogs to come out on top.
That said, Atletico Madrid got their way against Real in 2018 with a goal each from Saul and Koke in extra time. They beat Inter Milan in 2010, too.
Moreover, the German side got the better of Xavi’s Barcelona en route to their Europa League campaign last season. This is a testament to the strength of Oliver Glasner’s side.
Los Blancos head to Finland with positive feelings after a great preseason campaign. While the team lost El Clasico, they bounced back strong with a win over Juventus. Now, the momentum is seemingly on their side.
It was reported that Ancelotti will not use the new signings in the Super Cup as he wished to entrust the game to the same team that conquered Europe last season. Nevertheless, he will have their services on the bench if the need arises.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
