Sports
Messi leads Barca squad against Madrid in Super Cup decider
For the second time in three days, Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid will go head to head on Wednesday night as Lionel Messi leads his teammates to the Bernabeu.
Trailing 3-1 from the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup final, Barcelona will be hoping to overturn the goals deficit and make history again when they face their eternal rivals tonight.
Real came out away victors on Sunday night in what proved to be a thrilling match with an eventful second half that saw Cristiano Ronaldo controversially sent off for diving.
But Ernesto Valverde’s men have reportedly arrived madrid on Wednesday afternoon for the second leg of the final.
“We maintain our idea of going there and winning the game and taking the title, we are not beaten. In spite of the fact that it will be tough, we have a chance and we will go for it,” said Valverde.
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Barca’s squad as published earlier by the club include: Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Semedo, Piqué, Rakitic, Sergio, Denis Suárez, Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Mascherano, Deulofeu, Paco Alcácer, Jordi Alba, Digne, Sergi Roberto, André Gomes, Aleix Vidal, Umtiti and Aleñá.
Andrés Iniesta, Thomas Vermaelen and Rafinha were not included on the list published by the Catalan club as they are injured, while Arda Turan, Douglas, Marlon, Samper and Munir got left out by coach Valverde.
Zinedane Zidane’s men, who will definitely be without star forward, Ronaldo, will need to keep their 1-3 lead to be able to conquer the title.
Whereas Barcelona will need a 0-3 away victory at least if they want to overcome their current deficit and lift the trophy tonight.
The much-anticipated El Clasico match will be played 10:00p.m Nigerian time.
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