UEFA Super Cup 2024: 10 intriguing facts about Real Madrid vs. Atalanta clash

As Real Madrid and Atalanta prepare to face off in this year’s UEFA Super Cup, football fans worldwide are gearing up for an exciting match that brings together the champions of Europe’s top competitions. 

The trophy is contested by the teams that won the Champions League and Europa League prior to the start of the new season.

Real Madrid triumphed over Borussia Dortmund with a 2-1 victory in the Champions League final, while Atalanta secured a convincing 3-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

Here are 10 key things to know before the action kicks off;

 1. Real Madrid’s Quest for a Record Sixth Title

Real Madrid is on the verge of history, as they aim to secure their sixth UEFA Super Cup, a record in the competition’s history.

2. Madrid’s Ninth Appearance

This will be Madrid’s ninth appearance in the Super Cup. So far, they’ve won five and lost three, showing a strong track record in this prestigious match.

3. New Venue: National Stadium, Warsaw

The National Stadium in Warsaw becomes the 12th venue to host the Super Cup since the event moved away from its long-standing home in Monaco.

4.  Ancelotti’s Chance to Make History

Carlo Ancelotti is tied with Pep Guardiola with four Super Cup victories each. A win here would make Ancelotti the most successful manager in Super Cup history.

 5. Player and Coach Victories

Ancelotti is one of the few to have won the Super Cup both as a player and a coach, joining an elite group that includes Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone, Luis Enrique, and Zinédine Zidane.

6. Champions League Dominance

Champions League winners have dominated the Super Cup, winning 10 out of the last 11 fixtures. The exception was in 2018, when Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid.

7.  Atalanta’s Historic Appearance

Atalanta becomes the seventh Italian club to compete in the Super Cup, following in the footsteps of AC Milan, Juventus, Sampdoria, Parma, Lazio, and Inter Milan.

8. Atalanta’s Chance at Glory

If Atalanta wins, they will become the 26th team to lift the Super Cup trophy and the second consecutive new winner, following Manchester City’s triumph last year.

9. Italian Clubs’ Strong Record

Italian clubs have a strong record in the Super Cup, with nine wins out of 13 appearances. Atalanta will look to add to this impressive tally.

10. No Extra Time

The Super Cup has a unique format, if the match is tied after 90 minutes, there’s no extra time. Instead, it goes directly to a penalty shootout, adding extra drama to the occasion.