Three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Eintracht Frankfurt | OneFootball

The first clash of the new season stands a day away from Real Madrid, as they get ready to take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Super Cup. With the game comes the opportunity to secure the first silverware of the season, a chance the team will look to capitalise on.

To see the glory, however, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will face a stern test. The German club were not dubbed amongst the favourites to win the Europa League but pulled off upset after upset to win it all.

Their most notable result was an emphatic 4-3 win over Barcelona in the Quarterfinals. Oliver Glasner’s held the Catalans to a 1-1 draw at home before decimating them at Camp Nou.

Ancelotti will have a full-strength squad at his disposal at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. While the team should be confident of getting the better of the Bundesliga side, overconfidence can be fatal on the night.

1. Carlo Ancelotti’s strange decision

Last week, it was reported that the Real Madrid manager was against using the new signings for the UEFA Super Cup. Ancelotti wanted the same team that won the UCL to clinch the cup in Helsinki in what was a strange but understandable decision.

While it is not confirmed whether the decision is final, one could well expect Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni to start on the bench against Eintracht Frankfurt.

David Alaba and Eder Militao will thus start in central defence with Ferland Mendy deployed at left-back. In midfield, Casemiro will start as the pivot with the experienced Luka Modric and Toni Kroos placed ahead of him.

2. A new chapter for Karim Benzema

Benzema has become a bonafide legend during his decade-long spell at the club. His importance in the team has grown leaps and bounds over the past two seasons after he took over as the primary goalscorer.

Yet, there are always new avenues to explore, and Benzema stands in front of one. Following Marcelo’s departure, the Frenchman was named the first captain of the team. The game on Wednesday night will be the first game under his full captaincy and possibly the first trophy too.

While he has held the armband before on multiple occasions, he was Marcelo or Sergio Ramos’ deputy.

On an individual level, the veteran will look to keep up with his astronomical standards. Benzema has always been one to step up on the big occasions and produce goals on demand. Needless to say, all eyes will be on him when Real Madrid take on Glasner’s side.

3. The absence of Filip Kostic

Not having Kostic is a huge blow for Frankfurt. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Last season, Filip Kostic was Eintracht Frankfurt’s best player by a country mile. The 29-year-old played as a left-midfielder for the German club and was the primary creative outlet for his team.

In 31 Bundesliga appearances, he scored four goals and provided nine assists for his side last season. In the decisive quarterfinal game against Barcelona, he delivered two goals and an assist at Camp Nou to knock out Xavi’s side.

However, the midfield star will not play against Real Madrid this week. Juventus are prepared to complete the 29-year-old’s signing,, and the deal is already in its final stages.

Because of his imminent transfer, Glasner left out Kostic from his squad for the Super Cup. Needless to say, this comes as big news for Los Blancos as they will now face an opposition devoid of its best player.