In some other circumstances, tonight’s super derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona (22.00) would be a staggering game in prospect. However, this one on Wednesday night is of a different kind – it’s a Spanish Super Cup semifinal tie that will take place in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh, just like the rest of this showdown. The winner of this awkward El Clasico – 5,000 km away from home – will meet with the Athletic Bilbao-Atletico Madrid tie winner (Thursday, 22.00). What’s even more absurd about this small tournament is that two of those four teams (Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao) didn’t win anything in the previous season (Atletico Madrid are LaLiga champions, and Barca clinched the Copa del Rey title). But to attract more attention and, finally, collect the desired income, the organizers added more teams, games and other weird stuff – like that the Super Cup is played midway through the season instead of its young days.##EDITORS_CHOICE##And while Barcelona and Real Madrid gaffers, Xavi and Carlo Ancelotti, did the usual pre-game praise of their archrivals, some others were straightforward about the whole charade surrounding the Super Cup.Bilbao’s Raul Garcia does not think it should be played elsewhere than Spain.”For me, playing the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia doesn’t make sense. It’s a Spanish trophy that we play for in a foreign country. I’m old-fashioned. Football changes, and we no longer think about the fans. Now it is important to generate money, and we forget the basics, “he emphasized.Raúl García didn’t hold back when asked about the Supercopa being held in Saudi Arabia.He thinks generating money and sponsorships are seen as more important than fans in modern football 💰 #LLL🧡🇪🇦⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ZxOPubg6Ov— La Liga Lowdown 🧡🇪🇸⚽️ (@LaLigaLowdown) January 11, 2022 Ridiculousness aside that Real Madrid vs Barcelona tie could provide us with some paramount football and duels. Like the one between Vinicius Jr. and his compatriot Dani Alves. The two Brazilians – separated by the significant age gap of 17 years – will collide on the flank, and this battle’s epilogue could possibly decide the entire match.Barefooted Dani Alves sends an emotional message upon signing for Barca: ”Nothing compares to you”The boy is magic! Breathtaking Vini scores late to give Real Madrid a dramatic win over SevillaThe Blaugrana right-back has good memories of facing Real Madrid, having done so on 45 occasions, winning 22 and losing 16.Vinicius, however, also enjoys playing against Barcelona, with four wins, one draw and two losses in seven games. We’ll see who will celebrate tonight and book their place in the finals scheduled for Sunday, January 16.SPANISH SUPER CUP – SEMIFINALSWED: 22.00: (4.00) BARCELONA (3.60) REAL MADRID (2.00)THU: 22.00: (2.00) ATLETICO MADRID (3.40) ATHLETIC BILBAO (4.30)
