After Tuesday's 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at the Bernabéu, the Spanish Super Cup remains completely up for grabs as the two teams meet again on Friday. Atléti hold a slight edge thanks to their late away goal in the first leg, but their work is far from done. Playing at home at the Vicente Calderón in front of their rabid fans will also give Atléti a boost.
Key Player: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Assuming the Colombian star gets a start ahead of the hobbled Cristiano Ronaldo, he'll play a big role in determining whether Real Madrid lifts the Super Cup. Clearly the pressure of dealing with both a match with a trophy on the line and his first Madrid Derby didn't get to the 23-year-old. His goal late in the second half looked to be enough for Real Madrid to get a win, but the always persistent Atléti were able to grab an equalizer.
Playing for Real Madrid is a big deal for Rodriguez, and helping lead them to a trophy (albeit one low on the importance scale) in his first chance with the club would allow him to leave his mark on fans. The best part for Rodriguez is that he doesn't have to do it alone, with the likes of Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale likely to line up with him in the attack.
Key Matchup: Atlético Madrid vs. The referee
Atléti are a physical team and are not shy about trying to intimidate opponents by frequently knocking them on their backsides. It's not a secret, Real Madrid know it's coming, but ultimately how they react and how the referee calls the match will go a long way towards determining who will lift the Super Cup. Spanish referees tend to let things go, but should the referee get whistle and/or card happy, it could give Atléti issues.
Having the second leg at home should benefit Atléti since some referees will get intimated by the vocal crowd, and perhaps swallow their whistle a bit. If Los Colchoneros are allowed to be more physical, leading to Real Madrid getting frustrated, it could be a huge advantage for them.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Cristiano Ronaldo (leg).
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Arda Turan (thigh).
Real Madrid's only injury issue is Cristiano Ronaldo who left the first leg on Tuesday at halftime. Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly assured fans that the issue isn't serious, but considering Ronaldo's injury struggles at the end of last season and at the World Cup, there's reason to be concerned. Sitting down Ronaldo and letting James Rodriguez start seems like the best plan.
Arda Turan remains Diego Simeone's only injury issue as he continues to recover from a thigh injury. Saúl Ñiguez started on the wing in place of Turan in the first leg, but Simeone could switch things up and hand Antoine Griezmann his first competitive start with his new club.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 10:30 p.m. local, 4:30 p.m. ET, 2:00 IST
Venue: Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes (U.S.), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), GolTV (Canada),Star Sports 2(India sub)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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