Following a perfect run in the preseason, Real Madrid face their first official challenge this year in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona. The first leg takes place tonight at 22:00 CET at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Copa del Rey champions Real Madrid take on their eternal foe after having the best preseason in 24 years, during which they won seven games, scoring 27 goals and conceding only five.

Tickets have sold out for the first leg, p`oving fan support will be crucial in order to earn a good result before the return leg in Barcelona. Expectations are high, as proven by the close to 60,000 fans that attended yesterday's training session at the Bernabeu.

This is the fourth time both sides clash in the Spanish Super Cup and Real Madrid won all previous meetings.
 

REAL MADRID vs. BARCELONA IN THE SPANISH SUPER CUP
YEAR	MATCH	REAL MADRID GOAL SCORERS
1988	R.Madrid 2-0 Barcelona	Michel (52'), H. Sanchez (88')
	Barcelona 2-1 R.Madrid	Butragueño (15')
1990	Barcelona 0-1 R.Madrid	Michel (54')
	R.Madrid 4-1 Barcelona	Butragueño (21', 44'), H. Sanchez (56'), Aragon (70')
1993	R.Madrid 3-1 Barcelona	Alfonso (35', 89'), Zamorano (55')
	Barcelona 1-1 R.Madrid	Zamorano (21')
1997	Barcelona 2-1 R.Madrid	Raul (5')
	R.Madrid 4-1 Barcelona	Raul (43', 54'), Mijatovic (59'), Seedorf (65')

Jose Mourinho has called-up 20 men for the match. Sergio Ramos made the cut after recovering from minor back pain. Youth teamer Jesus is also on the list. Sahin, Granero and Altintop are still following specific recovery programmes and will therefore miss the match.

Barcelona played six friendlies during their preseason, earning two victories, two draws and two defeats. Alexis Sanchez is currently their only reinforcement for the coming season, while Bojan, Milito and Jeffren all left the team this summer.

Coach Pep Guardiola has travelled with all his men to Madrid, although Puyol, Afellay and Maxwell are injured and Sergio Busquets may also be unfit to play the match. Xavi and Pique trained with their teammates in the final training session showing signs of full recovery. The centre back will surely make the starting lineup, as will midfielder Iniesta and forwards Messi, Villa and Pedro.