With the UEFA Super Cup done and dusted, Real Madrid shift focus to the next title up for grabs: the Spanish Super Cup. Los Blancos will gear up for a two-legged clash with bitter rivals Barcelona in the always entertaining curtain-raiser.
After beating Man United on Tuesday, Zidane’s side will be keen to put the Blaugrana to the sword in similar – or better – fashion. Unfortunately for the Champions League holders, they have been hit with a huge selection blow.
The Spanish Primera Division champions will take on Messi and Co. without influential midfielder Luka Modric. The Croatian ace will miss the first-leg game, on August 13, which is a huge blow given that Real Madrid will have to make the trip to Camp Nou.
And the reason is not injury – the former Spurs playmaker was present in the UEFA Super Cup win. The 31-year-old will miss the first-leg instead due to suspension.
In the 2014 Spanish Super Cup, Modric was sent off against Atletico Madrid en route to a defeat. The diminutive ace picked up a second yellow card in the 89th minute and was thus forced to leave the pitch.
Los Blancos have not featured in the Spanish Super Cup since that game, failing to make the competition in the last two seasons. As a result, his one-match suspension in the competition has been pending, and will take effect in the first of their two meetings with Ernesto Valverde’s men.
This will not be a fatal blow to Zizou, as squad depth is the theme in his current squad. Should Cristiano Ronaldo start, Isco will likely drop back to fill Modric’s position. If Ronaldo fails to make the starting XI, Kovacic could be given a nod.
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