Real Madrid and Valencia meet for the semi final of this year’s edition of the Supercopa de España. Traditionally, two teams (Copa del Rey winners and runners-up) would participate in the competition. However, in February 2019, it was announced that four teams would now take part in the illustrious tournament. These four teams are the winners and runners-up of both La Liga and Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid
Image Credit: REUTERS/Pablo Morano
Los Blancos are going through a rough patch of form. Usually, when they struggle with performances, results still go their way. They defend as a team and their individual brilliance produces something special to win them games. Since the return from the World Cup, they’ve struggled collectively and individually. Vinicius, Fede Valverde, Modric, Tchouameni and Rudiger haven’t hit the heights that we know they can. Whilst Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t covered himself in glory with his tactical approach and flexibility in games.
Their first defeat of 2023 came at the hands of The Yellow Submarines, Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The home team fully deserved their victory as they tactically and physically dominated the champions.
Quique Setien told the media that they implement an intense pressing scheme with pressing triggers on “Madrid’s wide players”. He said, “if you let Madrid have the ball it will create more problems for you”. His plan worked out perfectly and they won the match 2-1.
Ancelotti and his players obviously weren’t pleased to lose, but they reassured all Madrid fans that they know improvement is needed and that “it’s just three points and that’s nothing” (in today’s game).
Real Madrid are expected to win every competition they participate in. Though that isn’t always possible, their board, players and management must go into every game with that mentality. Starting from tomorrow, they must improve their performance while ensuring qualification for the final.
Valencia
Image Credit: REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Valencia currently sit 11th in La Liga, just four points above the relegation zone. They have two wins in their last five competitive matches.
They took on Cadiz most recently and an early goal from Rubén Alcaraz was enough to take all three points back to Cadiz. Los Che dominated possession and created chances but ultimately lacked quality in the final third.
Gennaro Gattuso has some weapons that can hurt Los Merengues. The likes of Yunus Musah, Samu Castillejo, Edinson Cavani and Justin Kluivert can impose their physical presence on Real and cause some danger on the counter attack.
It should be a cracking game between two talented teams and experienced managers. Real are definitely favorites to progress but nothing is ever certain in football. Carlo Ancelotti recently said, “Quality won’t let you win if you don’t equal your opposition’s attitude.” This quote can define his team’s performance and form if they don’t enter this match with the right mindset.
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