Spanish Super Cup 2012 Preview

@ Camp Nou!

The 2011-12 Copa Del Rey winners defend their Spanish Super Cup trophy against the reigning La Liga winners in the matches fought fiercely over two legs, and hands, and fingers.

When the "bitter one" told media last year (after they last to Barca) that the Spanish Super Cup is a very small trophy that doesn't matter much to Madrid he was only acting mean. Yes, the Spanish super cup doesn't amount much when placed with heavyweights like the league and European cup. But when a certain Barcelona face a Real Madrid, in whatever-the-fucking-occasion match, its as grand as can be.

Flashback to last year, it wasn't a very beautiful competition. Spanish Super Cup matches are normally not worth remembering but then last year, like this year, it was a clasico. Clasicos are watched, scrutinized and remembered. And clasicos are eventful! And last years Super Cup reminds us of several events.
The Good: David Villa's amazing Golazo!!
The Bad: Marcelo's tackle on new signing Cesc Fabregas.
The bitter and downright ugly: the poke in the eye of current Barca coach Vilanova by the then-and-present Madrid Coach Mourinho.

Come Thursday (and then the Wednesday after that) these two Spanish giants clash not just for the trophy but for gaining a psychological edge in the long season that follows. Two legs of Clasico is simply mouth-watering.
Here's a bit of what to expect..entire preview after the jump!





The Preview:

Team Information

Both Barca and Real have played one game in the league, both home games. While Barca had a flying start (5-1), Real Madrid held the brilliant Valencia (read Diego Alves) to a 1-1 draw. While Barca made additions in the form of Jordi Alba and Alex Song, Real Madrid have yet to sign a player.

Players available : Thiago and Cuenca had minor issues and aren't certain to feature while Eric Abidal is a long term absentee. David Villa not only featured but came on to score a goal in the 5-1 victory last week. He is a big game player and expect him to have minutes even if as a super-sub. Jordi Alba should start though the same cannot be said for Alex Song.


On the other hand, Pepe of Real Madrid will not feature in the first leg atleast after a bad collision with keeper Casillas in their last game. Other players should be available.

Predicted Starting XI

Barcelona :

 Valdes - Dani Alves - Puyol - Mascherano - Jordi Alba - Busquets - Xavi - Iniesta - Tello - Messi - Alexis

Comment: Mascherano might be given the nod ahead of Pique as he has been the most consistently performing centre back since last season despite playing most of his career in midfield. Considering the potentially dangerous Real Madrid attack Busquets should definitely start as a Defensive midfielder. Jordi Alba and Dani Alves will definitely start and can make runs upfront when the ball is on the "enemy-end". Busquets, Puyol and Mascherano then can form a make-shift three man defence in such situations. Iniesta has been on top form throughout the Euros and should start alongside partner-in-crime Xavi. Cesc Fabregas might start on the bench and come on later in the game. Tello had a good game and could start. Alexis Sanchez didn't play the last game and would be itching to score. Villa and/or Pedro could come on as power subs. And Messi will definitely start!

Real Madrid :

Casillas - Ramos - Coentrao - Marcelo - Arbeloa - Diarra - Alonso - Di Maria - Ronaldo - Ozil - Higuain

Comment: Expect Callejon, Benzema and Kaka as substitutes. Sami Khedira may start alongside Xabi alonso instead of Diarra. Carvalro is believed to be leaving Madrid, so its less likely he'll play any role. The same goes for Nuri Sahin.

Trivia :

Barcelona is the club that has won the most number of Spanish Super Cups (10, 14 if you include the predecessor trophies). Real Madrid, unsurprisingly, is second with 8 trophies.

Messi is top scorer of all time in the competition with 8 goals. And given his form, do expect him to add to his tally.

Major Clashes

From a neutral point of view, this game will surely be a mind boggling one. After all the crème de la crème of the footballing world assemble together.

Golden Boot again?

Messi Vs Ronaldo
The two best players in the world will definitely have a lot to prove. They both are Ballon d' Or candidates and their individual performance could go a long way in deciding the end result. Whose day will it be?

Vilanova Vs Mourinho
All eyes will be on the coaches and their strategies. This game will be a major game for Vilanova as he has yet to face quality opposition. Win this game and the little doubts on the minds of Barca fans will vanish in thin air. Expect Mourinho to not go into an all-out-attack game as he is essentially a defensive-minded coach.

Head to Head :

They have played eachother 10 times in Super Cup matches. Real have won 5 while Barca have won 3. Real also lead the goal count with 21 against Barca's 13