Event of the Day: UEFA Super Cup Final
Our event of the day is the UEFA Super Cup Final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia. The UEFA Super Cup pits the winners of the Champions League and Europa League against one another. Real Madrid qualified having won the Champions League for the third season on the trot, whilst Atlético beat Marseille in the Europa League final to set up a Super Cup encounter with their great rivals. Both sides are the fiercest of local rivals, with Real historically the more successful side. However, Atlético’s phenomenal success over recent seasons, which included winning the La Liga title in 2014, has only added to the competitiveness of the rivalry. Atlético also finished above Real in the league last season, reinforcing just how much the gulf is closing between the two sides.
Today’s match is Julen Lopetegui’s first competitive game in charge of Real Madrid. The manner in which Lopetegui took the reins at the Bernabéu was embroiled in controversy, as his appointment was announced whilst he was still contracted to the Spanish national team. Spain promptly dismissed him, just days before the World Cup kicked off. The new Real boss will be looking to Gareth Bale to fill the huge void left by the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo following his departure to Juventus. Thibaut Courtois might make his debut in goal at some stage for Real Madrid following his deadline day switch from Chelsea. The Belgian keeper spent three seasons on loan at opponents Atlético, winning three trophies in a highly successful spell. Atlético have also freshened things up during the transfer window, bringing in Thomas Lemar, Gelson Martins, Rodri, Nikola Kalinic and Santiago Arias into their squad. All five of their summer signings are in contention to make their debuts today, as Diego Simeone’s side look to avenge their 2014 and 2016 Champions League final defeats at the hands of their arch rivals. With both sides brimming with world class talent, it’s too close to call!
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Vitality T20 Blast fixture between Surrey and Hampshire at London’s famous Oval. A win for the home side would keep them in contention for a quarter final place. Hampshire will be aiming for victory in order to avoid finishing bottom of the South Group. Birmingham play Lancashire in the North group, with the visitors already assured of their quarter final place. Loughborough Lightning, aiming to reclaim top spot in the Women’s Cricket Super League, face Western Storm at Edgbaston. In tennis, the Cincinnati Masters continue on the WTA and ATP World Tour. Elsewhere in the United States, there are multiple MLB fixtures, including second versus third in the American League East as the New York Yankees face the Tampa Bay Rays. In the MLS, DC United host the Portland Timbers at Audi Field in Washington, D.C..
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by UEFA