By: Oma Akatugba
Ahead of the UEFA Super Cup game between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in Tallin Estonia, the feeling amongst football fans worldwide is that Real Madrid will lack the usual firepower that saw them lift the UEFA Champions League three times consecutively. This feeling is high because of the reason is the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is not just Real Madrid’s highest goal scorer in the champions league but the all-time UEFA champions league leading scorer with 120 goals. But Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke seems to have a different opinion on that. The Spanish midfielder believes Real Madrid will remain a difficult team to beat with or without Cristiano Ronaldo. While speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, Koke said:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a very great player especially during his last years at Real Madrid and other clubs. He is a very brilliant player, but they have a very brilliant team, a very young squad, an auspicious one. It’s going to be difficult with or without Ronaldo it’s going to be a complicated game. we have to pay great attention to details if we have to win this game.”
The two Spanish giants will face off at the 14.000 capacity A. Le Coq Arena in Tallin Estonia for the first trophy of the season in European club competition.
Real Madrid’s coach, Lopetegui is expected to start Navas ahead of Courtois because the Belgian keeper just joined the team from Chelsea FC in England. Same applies for Luca Modric, who returned from his holidays last week after a long World Cup. It means Isco could start alongside Toni Kroos with Bale, Benzema and Asensio in the attacking line.
