Real Madrid versus Valencia will be the first semi-final match in the Supercup to be played tonight in Riyadh. Purists might take argue that Real Madrid got what they deserved after naming their first ever all-foreign starting lineup in a2-1 defeat to Villarreal, a result which saw them lose ground in the La Liga title race. By their own high standards, patchy league form (W2, D1, L2) either side of the world cup sees them heading to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa (SC) in less-than-ideal shape.
Attempting to successfully defend the title they won last year to move one behind rivals Barcelona in the all-time winners list (13), Los Blancos have only lost one of their last seven SC matches (W6), which came against Athletic Bilbao in the 2020/2021 semi-final. A match-up with Valencia, against whom they’ve won five of the last six H2Hs (L1) could therefore be the catalyst for a return to winning ways.
Madrid’s Karim Benzema netted from the penalty spot against Villarreal and scored in each of their last three SC games, including last season’s final against Athletic Bilbao. Similarly, Valencia’s Edinson Cavani was on target against Villarreal and also scored in his last appearance against Madrid whilst playing for Paris Saint German.
The last four H2Hs produced an average of five yellow cards per game.
