Real Madrid v Barcelona: Luka Modric set for Real Madrid debut
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
· 0
comments
Labels:
Barcelona,
debut,
Luka Modric,
Real Madrid,
Real Madrid v Barcelona
Real Madrid could give a
debut to Luka Modric as they try to overturn a 3-2 deficit in the second leg of
the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona.
Modric moved from Tottenham to Real on Monday for a fee of
about £30m and may play a part as the Spanish champions chase a first win of
the season.
Real lost to Getafe
on Sunday and coach Jose Mourinho was critical of his team's display.
"I'm ready, but the coach will decide if he uses me or
not," said Modric.
"It's going to be tough for me to earn a place but
that's the challenge, the biggest challenge of my career. Expectations are as
high as possible and I'm ready for that."
Real drew with Valencia in their opening league game of the
season before losing to Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the first leg of the Super
Cup.
The defeat at Getafe
meant Real have made their worst start to a season for nearly 40 years.
They will be hoping central defender Pepe can play after
missing the last two games with concussion.
Barcelona
have won their three games of the campaign so far, coming back from a goal down
to beat Osasuna 2-1 at the weekend.
Keeper Victor Valdes was at fault when Real netted a late
second goal in the first leg of the Super Cup but boss Tito Vilanova, who took
over at the Nou Camp after Pep Guardiola's departure, defended his player.
"I'm surprised that anyone at this level can doubt
Valdes," said Vilanova.
"The club has four Champions League trophies, and he
was decisive in three of those."
Barcelona
may have defender Carles Puyol available after he returned to training despite
fracturing his cheekbone against Osasuna. Source: BBC
