Madrid, Aug 18 (IANS): Spanish Primera Liga champions Atletico Madrid and Champions League and Kings Cup holders, Real Madrid, will renew their historic rivalry when they meet in the first leg of the Spanish Supercup at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium here Tuesday night.
The last time the two sides met was in the last game of the 2013-14 season when a dramatic injury time equaliser from Sergio Ramos took the Champions League final into extra time where Real Madrid ran riot over an exhausted Atletico to eventually win 4-1 when they were just seconds away from defeat, reports Xinhua.
That was the last of five meetings between the two sides last season: five games in which both did almost everything, by fair means or foul, to get the upper hand and this time around promises more of the same.
Both sides have changed faces over the summer with Real Madrid seeing the arrival of Tony Kroos, James Rodriguez and Kaylor Navas, while Atletico have waved goodbye to Diego Costa and Felipe Luis, while making several big signings such as Antoine Griezman and Mexican striker, Raul Jimenez and goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya, among others.
Moya will have a difficult job in replacing Thibaut Courtois, who has returned to Chelsea after three years on loan, but Simeone should have few selection issues with a midfield and defense which more or less picks itself.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti may have a few more issues, with the debate over whether Iker Casillas or Navas should be first choice goalkeeper beginning to gather steam, while Pepe and Gareth Bale missed Saturday's friendly defeat to Fiorentina with physical problems.
Rafael Varene could partner Ramos in defence, while Angel Di Maria, who continues to be the object of speculation over a possible move to Manchester United, could get his chance should Bale not recover.
Elsewhere Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have recovered from his knee injury, while midfielder Tony Kroos looked excellent as Real Madrid brushed past Sevilla a week ago in the final of the European Supercup.
With an 11pm kick off, it is a game for night owls Tuesday, but the Bernabeu will be full as Real Madrid look to take an advantage to the Vicente Calderon for Friday's return leg.