The European Super Cup has regained some of it’s prestige in recent seasons and tonight’s clash in Monaco should be no different.
In the annual fixture which sees the Champions League winners take on the Europa League winners, Chelsea do battle with Atletico Madrid on Friday and there is plenty of talent on show.
While Chelsea were regarded as fortunate winners of the famous trophy in Munich in May, beating hosts Bayern on penalties having scuppered Barcelona’s hopes in the semi-finals, they made their own luck and it was a night to remember for all Blues fans in Bavaria.
Caretaker boss for the final, Roberto Di Matteo has now been appointed on a permanent basis and owner Roman Abramovich has once again splashed the clash this summer.
Eden Hazard, who has already made a positive impact in three Premier League appearances, all of which Chelsea have won, has been joined at Stamford Bridge by the likes of Oscar and Victor Moses and it is certainly a new era in west London.
With Didier Drogba, among others, now elsewhere, this Chelsea side looks very different from the one Jose Mourinho built and finally it gives Fernando Torres the chance to shine.
Torres, top scorer for Spain during their recent European Championship success, could not have asked for a more creative influence behind him, Hazard linking up effectively with Juan Mata, but Chelsea face a stiff task to land yet more silverware and I don’t think there’s much between the two teams.
While Chelsea limped over the Champions League finish line, Atletico were winning their second Europa League crown in three years at a canter and Columbian striker Radamel Falcao is at the centre of all things good about the side from the Spanish capital.
Falcao, linked with a transfer to west London, ripped Athletic Bilbao apart in the showpiece and has started this term where he left off.
A hat-trick against the same opponents in La Liga on the weekend saw Falcao and his teammates move into the top six in La Liga and Atletico are now unbeaten 11 competitive matches in all competitions.
Having plundered this prize in 2010 when taking care of Inter Milan, Atletico will have fond Monaco memories and should be able to force extra-time, at least, against a Chelsea side missing captain John Terry through suspension.
2pts Back Atletico Madrid Draw No Bet (vs. Chelsea) @ 2.25 (Bet Victor)