Two clubs looking to return to form will do battle today in a match between Real Madrid and Sevilla. The 2014 UEFA Super Cup scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on Fox Sports 1.
Though today's encounter is nothing more than a glorified friendly between two European winners, Carlo Ancelotti intends to use it as a stepping stone for the upcoming La Liga campaign. The Real Madrid boss announced on Monday the full-strength roster he'll unleash on his league rivals, Sevilla.
"Kroos has done well in the last five days, and I think he is ready to face this match," Ancelotti said during his pre-match press conference (via Sky Sports). "He is up to the task, and I think he will play tomorrow. [James] Rodriguez is a fantastic player. He ran a lot in the World Cup, and he can help the team to be better. He will start."
The lack of offseason preparation due to the 2014 World Cup is of no concern to the Italian.
"It's true we have had players who have come late to the team, with not a lot of training," he added. "But we are pleased with the state of preparation. Cristiano [Ronaldo] is well, he has no problem. I feel he's in good physical condition and has done everything to participate in this game. He is facing this game in good spirit."
"The squad has plenty of confidence to have a good season."
It begins with a victory and a title this afternoon.
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Testing Real Madrid's center-back pairing is the scoring prowess of Carlos Bacca. The 27-year-old made 35 league appearances for Sevilla last season, finishing with 14 goals and five assists.
Real Madrid's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Casillas; Coentrao, Varane, Ramos, Carvajal; Modric, Kroos, James; Cristiano, Benzema, Bale
Sevilla's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Beto; Moreno, Pareja, Fazio, Coke; Iborra, Krychowiak; Vidal, Aspas, Jairo; Bacca
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