La Liga
2018 Spanish Super Cup Preview: Sevilla vs Barcelona
The 2018 Spanish Super Cup takes place in Morocco on Sunday evening. The two sides will see each other this year after Sevilla loss to Barcelona in Copa del Rey Final back in May. Nevertheless, the two sides have been seeing a lot of each other this offseason where the two sides have swap players like Aleix Vidal and Clement Lenglet.
Other News
This is the first time that the Spanish Super Cup is played outside of Spanish soil. In addition, Sevilla was not happy with the Spanish Football Federation’s decision as it believed it was unfair to its fan base. Additionally, they threatened to not participate if RFEF did not change the venue. Nevertheless, Sevilla retracted and will play.
However, early Sunday morning, the RFEF announced that there wouldn’t be any a limit of non-EU to participate in this match. To which, Sevilla once again disagreed and has threaten to not participate if in fact Barcelona lines up more non-EU players for tonight’s game.
Sevilla’s Reaction
Sevilla FC is surprised by the RFEF's statement 24 hours before the Super Cup. It has stated that as many non-EU players as desired can be registered, despite the fact that in their last notice for the 18/19 season, only three were due to be permitted, without exception.
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) August 11, 2018
The Club's legal department is studying the matter and should FC Barcelona submit a team with more than three non-EU players, it would present possible ground for the filing of a complaint on account of an improper line-up.
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) August 11, 2018
Barcelona is eager to list newly acquired Arthur Melo, Arturo Vidal, Malcom and Philippe Coutinho. However, Coutinho just received his Portuguese passport which would take him out of the equation. Additionally, this would mean Sevilla’s claim may be proven unfounded.
VAR
Yes, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be in showcase during the Spanish Super Cup. It is thought that La Liga will join the VAR sensation and will try it out during this season’s cup opener. Tonight’s game, however, will be whistled by Carlos del Cerro Grande. Alongside him with VAR will be Jesus Gil Manzano to complete the VAR team joining the fun.
Outcome
Barcelona has a lot to prove this season after Real Madrid won Champions. However, they did win both of the domestic cups. Nevertheless, they need to win tonight to consolidate last season. In addition, with almost a completely new squad, Barcelona needs to start meshing together to start off great this season. There is no need to say in which form Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will be in because they will come out with everything.
Date: Sunday, August 12
Time: 4 p.m. EST
Venue: Stade Ibn Batouta, Tangier
