Spanish Super Cup Second Leg Preview

The first leg of the Spanish Super Cup has been concluded and the match ended in a 1-1 draw with late goals coming from Real's James Rodriguez (88'), and Atlético's Raul Garcia (88'). The teams will face off again for the deciding leg tonight, August 22, 2014 at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid.

Atlético Madrid, the reigning Spanish Primera Liga Champions will be coming into the second leg with an away goal advantage after scoring at the Santiago Bernabeu, Rea Madrid's home stadium. Atlético sealed the top flight trophy last year after besting both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona who had won the past ten league titles between them. Real Madrid on the other hand, qualified for the Spanish Super Cup after winning the Copa del Rey in the 2013/2014 season.

Newcomer James Rodriguez of Colombia made his debut goal for Real Madrid after joining the team in the summer transfer window. He caught the team's attention after a stellar performance in the 2014 FIFA world Cup in Brazil in which he finished as top scorer of the tournament while playing for Colombia. James did not start for Madrid in the first leg of the Super Cup but came in at the half for Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo had been suffering from a recurring thigh injury dating back from the end of the Champions League season last May. It remains to be seen if Ronaldo or James will start in the second leg.

Angel Di Maria stayed on the bench on the first leg and after announcing his desire to leave the club after rejecting a contract renewal, the possibility looks dim that he will start in the second leg. Sami Khedira who is also being linked to a transfer could also be warming the bench.

Atlético Madrid will be gunning for only their second Spanish Super Cup in the club's history while Real will be going for their tenth. While Atlético will be missing their prolific striker Diego Costa who has left the team at the end of the previous season, they still have Diego Godin who did major damage in crucial matches last season with his killer headers.

First leg hero Raul Garcia is expected to start again and his lone goal in the first leg might prove crucial should the second leg end in a draw. Atlético took a more passive-aggressive approach in the first leg leaving most of the possession and scoring opportunities to Real. With an away goal advantage, the League Champions have the luxury of parking the bus for the second leg but Diego Simeone will be pushing for victory to take the crown and prove that this year's Atlético is just as formidable even after several major line up changes.