Madrid, Atletico Madrid will open their 2018/19 campaign with a Madrid derby in the UEFA Super Cup, and Diego Simeone is preparing to do battle with another coaching rival in Julen Lopetegui.

The former Porto coach is the fifth tactician Real Madrid have employed in the time Simeone has been in charge at Atletico Madrid, with the Argentine propelling the club to the upper echelons of European football.

Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez and Zinedine Zidane have all been and gone during Simeone’s time in the Spanish capital, and there have been some quite memorable duels over the years.

This first meeting between the two coaches holds incredible importance for both teams with Real madrid attempting to move forward without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Losing his first match in charge would be a poor start for the former Spain coach, and one which could negatively mark his time in charge.

For Atleti it is the ultimate test of how far their transfer business has brought the team, with it expected that Atletico Madrid will challenge for both LaLiga and the Champions League this season.

Mourinho dominated the Madrid derbies in Simeone’s first season in charge, winning all three between 2011/12 and 2012/13, however in the Portuguese coach’s final match in charge the former Inter midfielder finally got the better of him in the Copa del Rey final, the MARCA reported.

Source: Oman News Agency