Super Cup offers Bale first chance in post-Ronaldo Real world

Welshman is Real’s new talisman

This season’s UEFA Super Cup takes on a derby vibe when Real Madrid meet rivals Atletico Madrid in Tallin, Estonia.

Wednesday night’s clash at the 15,000 capacity Lillekula Stadium will give us our first proper glance at Real’s team following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus.

Real are 6/4 to win in 90 minutes, with Atletico 19/10 shots, and Coral News Team have taken a little look ahead to what it all means…

How do you replace Ronaldo?

New Los Blancos boss Julen Lopetegui has chosen not to directly replace Ronaldo.

The club were linked heavily with Paris Saint-Germain duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, plus Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

But ultimately none have arrived yet, and it appears Lopetegui will be placing his faith, for this season at least, in Gareth Bale.

Can Bale become Real’s main man?

Bale is entering his sixth season in Madrid, but his Real career has been tumultuous to say the least.

He has frequently been the subject of great supporter angst, and under former boss Zinedine Zidane was thoroughly reduced to a supporting role.

But the statistics are impressive. Despite playing second-fiddle to Ronaldo for five seasons, the Wales captain has scored 88 goals in 189 appearances – including that sensational double in the Champions League final.