FC Barcelona celebrates 125th anniversary

c/o LALIGA

Iconic club FC Barcelona celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and to commemorate the occasion, they recently held a special event to look back at the Catalan side's long and illustrious history.

Among the new elements presented by the club are a new club anthem, called “L’escut al pit,” – ‘the crest on the chest,’ as well as a new club mascot called CAT. CAT will be officially presented in public when the team plays host to UD Las Palmas this weekend at Montjuic. That matchup will feature a tweaked kit combination as they will be in their white shorts to pair with their traditional blaugrana tops.

Club president Joan Laporta also spoke at the event, with his address highlighting not only how much the club  has progressed from its beginnings, but also looked ahead at its bright future, noting the young talent currently in the squad.

In addition, a video showcasing many of the greatest stars to have worn the iconic shirt was shown, including a certain Lionel Messi that got the crowd chanting his name.

Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal set to tangle in LALIGA EA SPORTS ELCLASICO

Two of the most high-profile footballers in the world right now are 25-year-old Kylian Mbappé and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, with one having just landed at the Santiago Bernabéu and the other continuing his incredible rise. They are both starring in the front lines of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, which will go up against each other early Sunday morning.

They are also two of the top six players with the highest market value in the world, according to Transfermarkt, with a €180m valuation for Mbappé and a €150m one for Lamine Yamal.

Although Real Madrid haven’t had the most convincing start to the season, they are picking up points and Mbappé already has six league goals. He is looking more comfortable with each passing week, while his pace and power make him the reference point of Real Madrid’s attack, as well as their top scorer. 

For his part, Lamine Yamal is continuing his growth and has 10 goal contributions across 10 matchdays, with four goals and six assists. That makes him the player with the most assists in LALIGA EA SPORTS, equalling his tally from the 2023/24 season. Despite his young age, he is already a leader for FC Barcelona. 

Furthermore, both players are near the top of the ranking for the best dribblers in the competition. Lamine Yamal is the player with the second-most dribbles so far this season, with 30, while Mbappé is fourth with 24.

Still, neither forward has to work alone. Mbappé is joined by Vinícius and is starting to form a dream duo with the Brazilian, while Lamine Yamal is linking up well with LALIGA EA SPORTS top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who has 10 goals, and with LALIGA EA SPORTS August Player of the Month Raphinha. 

Although this will be the first time they meet in ELCLASICO, last season Mbappé and Lamine Yamal faced off in multiple games that ended up being very memorable. 

In the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain eliminated FC Barcelona after a thrilling tie, as the Catalan side won 3-2 in the first leg and as the French team won the second leg 4-1. Although Lamine Yamal assisted Raphinha to open the scoring in that second leg, a red card for Ronald Araújo forced Xavi to replace the young winger to reset the team before the break. With a man disadvantage, Barça ended up succumbing to the talent of Mbappé, who scored a brace to help the Parisians through. 

However, Lamine Yamal was able to enjoy the last laugh in July, when Spain faced France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Mbappé set up Randal Kolo Muani to open the scoring in the ninth minute, but it was Lamine Yamal who took centre stage in the 21st minute to fire in from 27 yards out, scoring what ended up being officially voted the best goal of the tournament. Dani Olmo, also now a Barça player, completed the comeback and Spain qualified for the final, which they would go on to win. 

After that match, Lamine Yamal acknowledged in an interview with Spanish newspaper MARCA that Mbappé even asked him for his shirt, demonstrating the respect and admiration between the two, despite playing for rival teams. 

Over the years, ELCLASICO has consistently pitted the best players in the world against each other. The best players in history have played in this match, with legends from both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona making a name for themselves in this fixture.

For example, the duels between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will live long in the memory. The Portuguese and the Argentinian faced each other 18 times in LALIGA EA SPORTS, with nine goals for Ronaldo and 12 goals for Messi in those duels. Perhaps Mbappé and Lamine Yamal will be the latest two stars to enjoy a lasting individual rivalry in ELCLASICO.

Hansi Flick prepares for his first ELCLASICO

Hansi Flick. c/o LALIGA

Hansi Flick took over a FC Barcelona squad that had a little bit of uncertainty last season and galvanized them enough to win all but one meeting so far in LALIGA EASPORTS.

The 59-year-old has constructed a side that has scored thirty-three goals, which is tops amongst the five major European leagues. Not bad for someone who has never managed outside the German football pyramid, and is fresh from a big victory a few days ago against his former club, Bayern Munich.

This Sunday morning, however, will be against an opponent just lurking behind in the standings. Real Madrid is just three points behind, with a potential victory vaulting them on top of the LALIGA EASPORTS table via the head-to-head tiebreaker. They also have won their last four ELCLASICO meetings.

Given how both teams have played so far, expect a back-and-forth matchup, especially with Flick's high line that has seen them concede goals in seven of the ten LALIGA EASPORTS fixtures. It will be a challenge for him to design a scheme geared to check a Real Madrid attach saw them score five teams in around thirty second half minutes midweek, including a hat trick for Vinicius.

Flick will rely on an attack that features Robert Lewandowski, Rapinha, and Lamine Yamal up front. The Polish striker has the early lead to the Pichichi with his goals. The Brazilian is fresh from a hat trick midweek, and the Spaniard is fresh from being named as a LALIGA EASPORTS Player of the Month nod.

Regardless of the outcome, it has been a good start for the German, and he has been grateful for the support he has received. Flick says, "I feel very comfortable here. I love the people here and their passion. It’s great to be at FC Barcelona. The city and the club are spectacular, and it’s so much fun to work here every day. There is a lot of support throughout the club and I notice the passion of the fans on the street too. We have a duty to give our best and that’s what we do, by working hard. We want to keep improving so that the players can reach their maximum potential."

Real Madrid at cusp of matching LALIGA EA SPORTS history in ELCLASICO

c/o LALIGA

This upcoming EL CLASICO on Sunday morning could be a historic one, especially for Real Madrid.

Los Blancos is currently on a 42-match unbeaten streak, one that is now over thirteen months long. Since their 3-1 defeat to Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano last September 24, 2023, Real Madrid has won 31 matches and drawn eleven times.

The current record belongs to FC Barcelona at 43 matches, setting the record back in 2017 to 2018.

Aside from this current streak, they also have an impressive unbeaten run at the Santiago Bernabéu. The current champions of Europe haven't lost at their iconic home since April 8, 2023, when Villarreal CF defeated Real Madrid, 3-2, a loss that extinguished its title hopes that season.

Since that defeat, they have had 39 matches at the recently-renovated building, 29 of which in LALIGA EASPORTS. Out of that 29, Real Madrid has won 25 matches, and drawn four times.

It is an interesting puzzle that Hansi Flick will have to figure out, as FC Barcelona seeks to retain their lead in the Spanish top-flight. A win by Real Madrid would move them atop the table with the trusty head-to-head tiebreaker in their favor.

Top of the table clash highlights the season’s first ELCLASICO

c/o LALIGA

Real Madrid are set to host FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu early Sunday morning, in the first ELCLASICO of the 2024/25 LALIGA EA SPORTS campaign. The visitors have hit the ground running this season and they currently sit top of the table after winning nine of their first ten league games. Under new coach Hansi Flick, a rejuvenated FC Barcelona went on seven-game winning streak to kick off the campaign, including a 7-0 thrashing of Real Valladolid, a 4-1 victory away at Girona FC and a 5-1 thumping of Villarreal CF on the road.

Despite CA Osasuna briefly putting an end to Los Blaugranas’ momentum with a 4-2 victory at El Sadar on Matchday 8, Flick’s side bounced back by thumping Deportivo Alavés 3-0 away from home and cruising past Sevilla FC with a 5-1 win at the Estadi Olímpic in Montjuïc this past weekend. FC Barcelona are also coming into ELCLASICO following a statement 4-1 home victory midweek, courtesy of a hat-trick from an in-form Raphinha, over Bayern Munich in the Champions League action.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are heading into this one fresh off a brilliant 5-2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund in the major European football competition. The German side took a two-goal lead before the break, but Los Blancos turned the game around in the second half, with Vinícius netting a hat-trick to lead his team to a trademark Real Madrid comeback win at the Bernabéu.

Despite being one of the two undefeated LALIGA EA SPORTS teams, along with city rivals Atlético de Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti’s team are currently trailing leaders FC Barcelona by three points. The LALIGA EA SPORTS reigning champions have won seven of their ten league games so far, while the other three games – all of which took place away from home – ended in 1-1 draws at RCD Mallorca, UD Las Palmas and Atlético de Madrid.

Heading into this matchup, Real Madrid will have gone as many as 568 days unbeaten at home, having suffered their last loss in front of their own fans back on April 8th 2023, a 3-2 reverse against Villarreal CF. Furthermore, should Los Blancos avoid defeat in the much-anticipated ELCLASICO, they will tie FC Barcelona’s longest unbeaten run of 43 league games between 2017 and 2018, this being the longest undefeated streak in LALIGA EA SPORTS history.

As it is with ELCLASICO, the rivalry always delivers with regards to passion and entertaining football. The last eight league meetings has seen 29 goals, averaging 3.6 goals per game. FC Barcelona currently boast the best attack in LALIGA EA SPORTS with 33 goals scored in ten games, while Real Madrid have netted a second-highest fourteen goals in five home games this season.

In addition, this fixture will feature four of the league’s top five scorers – all of whom are expected to compete for the Pichichi Trophy this season. Robert Lewandowski currently leads all scorers with twelve goals, averaging 1.20 goals per match, and doubling the next best player in Kylian Mbappe, who has netted six goals in his first nine league games.

An in-form Raphinha has recorded 10 goal contributions (five goals and five assists), while Ballon d’Or front-runner Vinícius has bagged five goals and four assists, and both players contributing hat tricks midweek. Kopa Trophy candidate Lamine Yamal has four goals complemented by a league-high six assists.

All the aforementioned players are expected to spearhead two star-studded teams that will take to the Bernabéu pitch full of desire and determined to win the first ELCLASICO of the season. 

Beyond Stats and Mediacoach unveil key ELCLÁSICO metrics

El Clasico

With ELCLÁSICO approaching, LALIGA's advanced statistics platform Mediacoach, have shared a few key factors that could figure in the match, which will be shown on BeIN Sports early Sunday morning, Manila time.

The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is set to host this encounter, as FC Barcelona seeks to extend their lead in LALIGA EASPORTS, while Real Madrid CF seeks to take the lead with a victory at home.

In terms of the attacking aspect, the biggest difference between the two teams lies in their ability to convert chances into goals. FC Barcelona arrive at ELCLÁSICO with the best chance conversion rate in LALIGA. Statistics show that the Catalan team need five shots to score a goal, compared to the eight shots required by Real Madrid. 

These stats are also evident on an individual level. The 12 goals already scored by Robert Lewandowski are double those of Kylian Mbappé, despite having had fewer shots than the Frenchman. The Polish striker's accuracy means that 30% of his shots end up in the back of the net, compared to 14% for the Frenchman. In fact, Kylian has taken the most shots in LALIGA, with Robert taking the most shots on target, followed by Mbappé.

Mbappé also has justified the hype surrounding his arrival from Paris, being the fourth-highest dribbler and in the top five with regards to high-impact actions.

His teammate, Fede Valverde, is ranked second in LALIGA when it comes to shots on goal and first for shots on target. Wingers Rodrygo and Vinicius are among the TOP 3 players in LALIGA for passes in the final third, while Valverde and Mbappé are in the TOP 10.

Raphinha is the player with the most high-impact actions in LALIGA. The Brazilian leads with the most assists and is the third most prolific crosser in the competition. Behind Mbappé and Lewandowski, he’s third in both shots and shots on target in LALIGA and has directly contributed to 9 goals (5 goals + 4 assists). He also is coming off an impressive midweek hat trick in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.

Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal is the top assist man in LALIGA with 6 assists, having been involved in 10 goals, already matching last season’s tally. He's the 2nd highest dribbler behind Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke and is TOP 3 for assists.

On the stylistic end, both teams want to have the ball. They rank in the top three teams in the Spanish top-flight with regards to possession ratio, initiative of play, passes per possession and pace of play.

As for defense, FC Barcelona tops the league in ball recovery rate, which is about trying to recover  the ball much closer to the opponent's goal and much faster. This is why they are the team that concedes the fewest shots in the league.

In contrast, Real Madrid may be eighth in ball recovery rate, but they top the division in blocking the highest percentage of shots, compared to Barcelona being 13th in this category. Valverde has been putting in the work as the top ball recoverer in LALIGA overall, as well as in the opposition half specifically. 

At the same time, the champions of Europe are averaging more saves compared to their rivals.

Both teams are considered as high-pressing teams, as both teams are the top two teams with regards to block height and defensive line height. To differentiate them, FC Barcelona attack very compactly, well-prepared to press the moment after losing the ball. In contrast, Real Madrid is one of the most stretched teams in the league, more accustomed to exploiting space and attacking from deep with their forwards.

As for context and goal types, Real Madrid truly personify their second half personality. Sixteen of their 21 goals so far this season have come in the second half, the second-best in LALIGA. They also have allowed goals during this time as well, with all but one of their seven goals allowed coming during this stretch. In fact, three of those goals came after the 75th minute.

FC Barcelona is a team that they when they take the lead, they would eventually win. In fact, they have been in a losing position in just thirty percent of their matches. Real Madrid has actually let a couple of matches slip away from their grasp, as they have won six fixtures out of eight that they held the lead.

Considered as a tentpole fixture, LALIGA is ensuring a full commitment to this event, up to 37 cameras will be utilized, providing viewers with extraordinary shots, including seven super slow-motion cameras, highlighting two for tracking key players from each team, two polecams behind the goals and a couple of LALIGA and MEDIAPRO-exclusive cinematic cameras with super slow motion replays.

In addition, multi-camera feeds, artificial intelligence applied to data, cutting-edge audiovisual production, and state-of-the-art augmented reality graphics make this match the ultimate television experience for fans across the globe. As per the norm, Mediacoach uses sixteen optical tracking cameras and three tactical cameras in collecting over 3.5 million data points, while also integrating Machine Learning and Microsoft Azure AI technologies for its Beyond Stats.

PUMA is also set to introduce a special ELCLÁSICO match ball, while also making five thousand pieces available for limited purchase.

Coldplay set to be on latest FC Barcelona kit

Coldplay x FC Barcelona

With El Clasico set to take place this weekend, Shirt sponsor Spotify is set to introduce another musical act onto the iconic FC Barcelona kit.

Following the likes of KAROL G, Rolling Stones, ROSALÍA and DRAKE, it is Coldplay's turn to be on the front.

One of the biggest and most recognized pop rock bands in the world, the British band recently released their tenth album "Moon Music" earlier this month, with a couple of singles already released: ‘feelslikeimfallinginlove’ and ‘WEPRAY ’ ‘ featuring Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna and TINI. The logo inspired by this album will be reflected onto the kit, which the men's team will use against Real Madrid this weekend. The women will also have a chance to wear this special kit on their Liga F matchup against Eibar one week later.

Coldplay is the most played British band of all time on Spotify, with eleven songs on the Spotify Billions Club, an elite list of songs that have been played a billion times on said platform. Their songs can be found on over a hundred million user-generated playlists worldwide.

In addition, Culés associate the song "Viva la Vida" with the Catalan club's successes back in 2009, as a soundtrack to their sporting exploits as they made football history.

This kind of activation is part of the unique partnership Spotify has with FC Barcelona, blending the worlds of music and football. This is alongside the naming rights the former has for the latter's home venue, the Spotify Camp Nou, which is currently being renovated.

Rolling Stones logo set to feature in Barcelona El Clasico kit

The jersey Barça will wear for ElClásico on 28 October will once again become an iconic garment that is set to grab worldwide attention. The Tongue and Lips logo of The Rolling Stones (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood) will replace the Spotify logo on the legendary FC Barcelona kit, putting the band that has played the iconic stages of the world on the global stage of LALIGA EA SPORTS. 

The Rolling Stones’ iconic sound has been the backdrop for listeners worldwide on Spotify, soundtracking the lives of fans near and far, young and old, which more than justifies them featuring on the Barça jersey. However, they have been chosen now because their latest album, Hackney Diamonds, is being released on 20 October and is their first album of original material in 18 years, a long-awaited and triumphant return after eighteen years. 

In addition to featuring on the jersey for the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid game on 28 October at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys, the Stones’ Tongue and Lips logo will also appear on the front of the women’s jersey for the Liga F game against Sevilla FC on 5 November at Estadi Johan Cruyff. 

The band said: “We’re huge football fans and honoured that Spotify have brought our Tongue & Lips logo to grace the FC Barcelona shirt to celebrate the release of the Stones’ new ‘Hackney Diamonds’ album. We’ll be cheering on the players on the pitch as well as fans around the world who will be tuning in to watch this iconic match.”

The Rolling Stones are the latest recording artists to grace the front of the famous Blaugrana shirt for ElClasico matches against Real Madrid. In their first LALIGA encounter last season, Barça’s kit featured the Drake logo; their kit for the return match at Camp Nou featured Barcelona-born star Rosalía’s “Motomami” logo.

Two major names set to make El Clasico debut

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet this Saturday in ElClasico, which will be the 255th meeting of these two clubs in official competition, with the head-to-head record so finely balanced. Real Madrid have won 102 encounters, FC Barcelona 100 and in the remaining 52 they have drawn. This is a historic rivalry that goes back more than 100 years and that will be experienced, for the first time, by the talented summer signings like João Félix, Jude Bellingham, Kepa Arrizabalaga and João Cancelo.

Without forgetting the impressive start to the season of Girona FC, the main prize at stake in this game is the potential to finish the matchday as the leader of LALIGA EA SPORTS. That only adds to the usual tension that comes with this match. On this occasion, it’ll be taking place in a new setting, at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, given that Los Azulgrana’s usual home ground, the Spotify Camp Nou, is currently being redeveloped. As such, this rivalry will move to a new stadium, similar to what occurred when the match was played at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano during the Covid pandemic.   

Both teams have made a strong start to the season, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side taking 25 points and Xavi Hernandez’s charges collecting 24 in the 10 games played so far. The capital city side come into the clash on the back of a draw against Sevilla FC, while the Catalan outfit managed to overcome Athletic Club in the final minutes in another thrilling game last matchday.

Barça have yet to lose at their new stadium and have won all five LALIGA EA SPORTS matches they have played at Montjuïc, living up to the nickname of this being a magic mountain. Los Blancos will be keen to break that streak and get back to winning ways at their opponents’ stadium. Last season, Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat in the away ElClasico in league play, but they had won 2-1 and 3-1 respectively when visiting FC Barcelona in 2021/22 and 2020/21.

In terms of absentees, Xavi will be without the injured Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé, while Real Madrid have been without Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão all season due to serious knee injuries. Although those are significant losses for both coaches in ElClasico, these players can be replaced by other top talents.

Real Madrid have the competition’s top scorer, in England’s Jude Bellingham, who has scored eight goals to start the season and who will go up against last season’s Pichichi, Robert Lewandowski, who has already netted five this term. Those two world-class stars will be joined by others such as Vinícius, João Félix, Rodrygo and Ferran Torres, all of whom will be targeting a goal in ElClasico.

Between the posts, they’ll face two giants, in Marc-André ter Stegen and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Meanwhile, the defensive lines will be marshalled by Ronald Araújo and Antonio Rüdiger. There is also so much talent in the midfield, where Gavi, Eduardo Camavinga, İlkay Gündoğan, Fede Valverde and co. will get to work. On top of that, this fixture brings together two top coaches, who boast the brains and experience to succeed in this type of top-level scenario. This is ElClasico, with new faces but with all the importance and weight of the history of both these shirts.

Messi reaches 700 goals... and counting

The 700 Club's latest member.

Lionel Messi made history in FC Barcelona's 2-2 draw against Atletico de Madrid, scoring his 700th goal of his career.

It was his 630th goal in 724 games for FC Barcelona, with his first coming against Albacete back in May 1, 2005. 441 of those goals came in 480 games in league play. 114 came in 141 appearances in the UEFA Champions League. 53 came in 75 games in the Copa del Rey. Fourteen came in nineteen games under the Spanish Super Cup, while tacking on five in his five appearances at the FIFA Club World Cup. Lastly, he scored thrice in four European Super Cup finals.

The remaining 70 comes from his 138 caps for Argentina's in international duties. He first scored for the Albiceleste back in March 2006 against Croatia in a friendly. Messi last scored internationally back in November 2019 against Uruguay, also in a friendly.

In compiling seven hundred goals, he also managed to secure 54 hat tricks, and once scored five goals in a single game, against Bayer Leverkusen back in 2011-12. He also lashed a total of 91 goals during 2012, a personal record.

Arguably the best football player of his generation with his ten championships in LaLiga, four Champions League trophies, and six Ballon d'Ors, he already was the all-time leading goalscorer in the Spanish top-flight, surpassing Athletic Club legend Telmo Zarra back in October 2014 with his 252nd goal.

His rival for that designation, Portuguese international and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo, is the only other member of that exclusive "700 goals" club that is still active. Ronaldo had scored 728 goals in senior football at the time Messi scored his 700th, which includes 99 goals in 164 appearances for Portugal. In addition, 311 of CR7's goals came during his 292 games for Real Madrid in league play.

The other members of the "700 club" are:

Czech-Austrian forward Josef Bican, who scored 805 goals between 1930s-50s.

Brazilian forward Romario, who reportedly scored 772 goals.

Brazilian icon Pelé, who scored 767 goals.

Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás, who retired with 746 goals in 1966.

German icon Gerd "Der Bomber" Müller, who finished with 735 goals when he retired in 1981.

Having just turned 33 last month, Messi still has enough time to even carve more history and raise his storied accolades even higher.

Barcelona vs Eibar this weekend

Messi on a roll for the current La Liga leaders (photo c/o BeIN)

Spanish football on S+A continues this weekend, as FC Barcelona attempts put even more breathing room atop La Liga, as the Catalan giants travel to the Ipurua stadium against Eibar.

Telecast begins this Saturday at 11pm with the kickoff slated at 1115pm.

Barca is toting a seven-point lead over Atletico Madrid after 23 matches, although their last two league matches have resulted in draws. The match also comes just days away from their titanic matchup against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

As for the hosts, their back-to-back victories in league play have gotten them at the cusp of potential continental action next season, with 35 points putting them in seventh place.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Sports in the past couple of days have shown LIVE Champions League action, with the first leg of Round of 16 play.

Early Wednesday morning, football fans stayed up to see Tottenham snatch a 2-2 draw against Juventus in Turin, while early Thursday morning saw Cristiano Ronaldo make history by scoring his 100th goal for Real Madrid in Champions League play, as he led the defending champions to a 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Televised Champions League action resumes next week with the aforementioned Chelsea vs Barcelona matchup as well as another English vs Spanish collision course in the form of Sevilla against Manchester United.

El Clasico tonight LIVE on S+A

Messi. Ronaldo. Coming soon tonight on S+A.

One of the most anticipated club football rivalries makes it way to Filipino free television.

Thanks to the partnership of ABS-CBN Sports and Triple CH, S+A will be showcasing the match-up between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Bernabeu inside the Spanish capital.

Kickoff is slated at 8pm, with pre-game coverage commencing at 750pm.

The Catalans have been lording it over this season in La Liga, netting 42 points in sixteen matches, toting a six-point lead over Atleti in the standings. Meanwhile, Real is in fourth place with 31 points, although they have two games in hand over almost all the teams in the division.

A victory by the reigning Champions League titleholders could slice the gap between the two teams to just eight points, and make the race atop the Spanish top-flight a little bit more interesting.

Barca won their last league meeting, a 3-2 victory that saw Lionel Messi secure the game-winner in injury time. However, Real won the last two meetings on the field, which took place at the Super Cup back in August, taking a 5-1 aggregate after two legs.

Real are also fresh from clinching the FIFA Club World Cup crown, defeating Gremio, 1-0, on Cristiano Ronaldo's 53rd minute strike.

In addition, S+A will also show the Premier League match-up between current pacesetters Manchester City against a struggling Bournemouth, which kicks off at 11pm tonight.