Reading the Classic semifinals of the Spain Supercup, a competition that is from here but that is played today (8pm / Let’s go) in Saudi Arabia, goes beyond the competitive rigor of the first title in play of the season. For him Barça supposed to calibrate the ‘effect Xavi‘, to know if all the punctures given to the team have served. For him Real Madrid the authority with which he commands is at stake LaLiga and that notable difference with the Catalans that his environment boasts. The expectation is maximum. The 30.00 available tickets were sold in an hour, 50% of the capacity.
To the technician Terrace, the exam comes to him with the project half done, the team recovering and a dozen games after settling in the Camp Nou and to suffer the harshness of all adversities. Although in a hurry, Xavi has managed to gather enough ammunition to knock down the white wall. Among the negatives by Covid, the injured recovered and a new signing, will have material to assemble a solvent eleven. The renewal and salary adjustment of Umtiti finally allowed to enroll Ferran Torres; Pedri is back and Ansu Fati, Araujo Y Frenkie de Jong entered the list. Some will start and others will have minutes depending on the script. The names give for optimism.
In those days in a hurry, Xavi has tried to correct dysfunctions. He fits almost always, many times from set pieces, and scores little. Between Benzema, white top scorer, and Memphis, the culé, there are many goals in between. French and vinicius threaten and Xavi He demands that everyone be attentive in the surveillance and in the aid, that it does not serve him that each one thinks about his own. It will be true to style, as publicly claimed Busquets, although it could reinforce some positions. It worries him, especially the starts and the speed of the Brazilian.
The Real Madrid it will come out with everything. The only doubts, on the right wing. Carvajal The Lucas Vazquez and bet or not on Asensio as extreme. The rest, what works for Ancelotti, is untouchable, and more after thrashing the Valencia. Always wise, the Italian coach acknowledged that he had noticed a visible improvement in the Barça since the arrival of Xavi, expelling a favoritism that he senses as the main Barça danger.
It doesn’t even pay attention to the statistics. The whites seem to have taken his measure. In the last five matches, the Madrid he has only drawn one and has won the remaining four. Carries without losing in a Classic since March 2019. To the history of the tournament, no case. The Barça is the king of the Spain Supercup with 13 titles and 11 runners-up. However, when it comes to the Real Madrid, who is 11 and 5, the tournament is choking him. Of seven direct face-to-face matches, six ended with the whites celebrating the title. To the Barça It only remains for him to break with this leaden past.
The 2022 Super Cup
SEMIFINALS
Wednesday
Riyadh: Barça-R. Madrid 20.00 h. (We will)
morning
Riad: At. Madrid-Athletic 20.00 h. (Vamos)
FINAL
Sunday
Riyadh: Winners of the ‘semis’ 7.30pm. (Let’s go)
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