Real raring to wreak revenge on Atletico

Real Madrid, odds-on favourites at 4/7 to win, will be looking to reassert their dominance over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the first-leg of the Spanish Super Cup clash.

Unsurprisingly, Real hold the head-to-head record over the Vicente Calderon club, with 32 victories to Atletico’s five. Diego Simeone’s arrival in town has finally begun to turn the status quo on its head, however, as the Argentine coach lead his team to a league win and draw against Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit last campaign.

Atletico earned the opportunity to be pitted against their noisy neighbours by lifting La Liga, breaking Real and Barca’s decade-long stranglehold on the competition. Los Blancos, meanwhile, simply had to make do with a Copa del Rey and Champions League double.

Seemingly shaken by their smaller capital counterparts’ trophy haul, and fellow bitter rivals Barcelona’s intriguing acquisition of Luis Suarez, Real have blown the budget yet again to bring in World Cup superstars Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.

One fresh face who, according to reports, will not be lining up for Los Blancos, is Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has opted to stand by Spain stopper and skipper Iker Casillas between the sticks, which could be good news for new Atletico’s new main man, Mario Mandzukic, who is 10/1 to score two or more.

The prolific Croatian poacher will make his debut in a first-leg that will be all about prestige and gaining the upperhand, ahead of the new La Liga season.

Mandzukic netted 26 goals for former club Bayern Munich last term, but found himself surplus to requirements after the arrival of Robert Lewandowski. He will now be tasked with replicating departed talisman Diego Costa’s attacking exploits, after the Brazilian-born striker scored 36 times for the Spanish champions last term.

Another exciting debutant for Atleti fans to feast their eyes on is winger Antoine Griezmann, who is available to at 8/1 to fire home first. The French forward will likely be leading the counter attacks against a weakened Real rearguard, with Pepe set to sit out this encounter. Although that could be a blessing in disguise for Ancelotti, with talented youngster Raphael Varane likely starting in his place.