REAL MADRID and Valencia go head-to-head in the new-look Spanish Super Cup.
In previous years, this has been a battle between the La Liga champions and Copa del Rey winners over two legs – before changing to just one match last season.
Zinedine Zidane is looking to win his first trophy since returning to Real Madrid last season
But now it is a mini tournament being played in Saudi Arabia, as the two sides look to reach the final on Sunday.
Valencia were ensured of their place thanks to their success in the King’s Cup, but Real Madrid only secured their spot because Barcelona reached that final – having taken the last place after finishing third in La Liga.
What time does Valencia vs Real Madrid kick off?
This Spanish Super Cup semi-final will take place on Wednesday, January 8.
It will kick off at 7pm UK time – that is 10pm in Saudi Arabia.
The match will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The winner will face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.
What TV channel is Valencia vs Real Madrid on and can I live stream it?
Unfortunately, Valencia vs Real Madrid will not be shown live on UK television.
The Spanish Super Cup has already been hit with TV rights’ problems after Spain’s state-owned RTVE refused to bid to show the games.
Movistar will screen them live instead.
What is the team news?
Real Madrid are without key men Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio for the match in Saudi Arabia.
But they will be hoping to have Marcelo, Lucas Vazquez and James Rodriguez available after they returned to training.
Meanwhile, Valencia are missing Goncalo Guedes and Cristiano Piccini.
Kang-in Lee, Rodrigo and Manu Vallejo are also expected to be unavailable.
Stat Attack!
- Real Madrid beat Valencia 6-5 on aggregate in their last Spanish Super Cup meeting with Ruud van Nistelrooy getting three of the goals in 2008
- Los Blancos have lost just 13 times in their 57 matches against Valencia
- But Valencia won one and drew their other meeting in 2019
What are the odds?
Real Madrid are heavy favourites to reach the final with odds of 5/6, according to Ladbrokes.
Punters could pick up a pretty penny for a Valencia win at 3/1, while the bookies expect both teams to score at 8/15.
Karim Benzema is hot favourite to add to his 16 goals this season at 9/5 to be first goalscorer, while Gareth Bale is 10/1 to score more than one.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
