James Rodriguez managed to find the back of the net in the first match of the Super Cup on Tuesday, but he still has a lot to prove.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will meet for the second leg of Super Cup on Friday, after the first match ended in a 1-1 draw. Atletico has an advantage playing at home in front of their fans, who demand that the team already shows they are a contestant in the Spanish league.
With star striker Cristiano Ronaldo possibly still be on the beach after leaving last match half-way with a hamstring strain, Rodriguez will play a big role in determining whether or not Real Madrid gets another trophy for its cabinet.
Rodriguez’s late goal in the first match seemed to be the winning goal, but in the final moments of the game Diego Simeone’s Atletico squad scored for a tie. Rodriguez has to show same talent again. Helping lead Real Madrid to a trophy win would allow the Colombian to inspire both fans and his manager, reassuring them that his $108 million price tag was worth it.
With just a few days before Liga BBVA kicks off Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have the last chance to shake the summer break out of their legs, and show they are ready for a new season. And a Super Cup win could give a vital mental edge for the two teams that battled to lift the league trophy last year.
The match starts at 3:30 pm.