Evening all! We switch our attention to the Spanish Super Cup this evening as Atletico Madrid welcome Barcelona to the Vicente Calderon for the first leg. It may not be high on the list of priorities for both of these clubs this season, but the opportunity to secure silverware in the early stages of the campaign is one not to be missed.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Atletico. Barcelona won both of the league meetings last season, recording a 4-1 win at the Camp Nou before securing a 2-1 victory in the return fixture in May. The Catalan outfit have also won each of the last five matches with Atletico – scoring 16 goals and conceding just three times in the process.

These two sides also met in the final of this competition in 1996, with Barcelona boasting players such as Ronaldo, Hristo Stoichkov and Ivan de la Pena. Atletico did launch a spirited comeback in the second leg, but they were defeated 6-5 by the Catalan outfit. It is difficult to see such a high-scoring affair this time around.

Statistically, last term was Atletico’s best season since the 1995-1996 campaign, both in terms of league position and silverware. Although they struggled to keep pace with Barcelona in the early stages of the season, they did occupy second – ahead of capital rivals Real Madrid – for long periods, but just missed out in the latter stages of the season.

Diego Simeone made the Vicente Calderon a real fortress last season with 14 wins from their 19 matches on their home match, scoring 42 goals and conceding just 12 times in the process, which was comfortably the best record in the division. Despite their success in the previous campaign, it is difficult to imagine them finishing higher than third this time around.

They lost top scorer from last season Radamel Falcao to Monaco this summer, but Simeone did manage to secure arguably the signing of the summer, with David Villa arriving for a minimal fee. Despite appearing just 28 times in the league last season, Villa registered 10 goals, which is even more impressive when taking into account the number of times he came off the bench. If he is given the correct service, he will score goals there is no question about that.

Simeone, who spoke to reporters at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, had this to say about the Spanish forward: “Beyond what he feels personally, he knows this team is a collective that is excited about playing another final. This is our fourth final in a year and a half, which is no mean feat, and it makes us very happy."

TEAMS:

ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Koke; Turan, Villa, Costa

BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Atletico side this evening with Villa starting against his former club alongside Diego Costa in attack. Arda Turan also starts despite reports linking him with a move away from Spain this summer. For Barcelona, Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba both come into the side, but Neymar is once more named on the bench.

Atletico also boast, in my opinion, the best defender in La Liga in their squad. It is no surprise that Diego Godin was at the heart of a defence that conceded just 31 times in the league last season, which was comfortably the best record. If he can produce the type of performances that he did last season, then there is no question that the club will have a better chance of success in all competitions this term.

Simeone was also able to secure the services of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for another season this summer. In a league that contains goalkeepers such as Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes, it is no easy task to stand out as the top shot-stopper in the division. It did not prove a problem for Courtois last season, however, with the Belgian international winning the Zamora Trophy after conceding just 29 times in 37 matches.

As mentioned, Atletico will enter the match full of confidence after picking up all three points in their first game of the league season at the weekend. The player that has been given the responsibility of replacing Falcao’s goals this season, Diego Costa, struck twice as the Copa del Rey winners beat Sevilla 3-1 at the Estadio Ramon.

There has been much debate about Costa, who has had his troubles in the past. But the fact that Atletico dismissed a £20m bid from Liverpool this summer before handing the Brazilian a new contract shows just how highly he is rated. He isn’t the most technical forward in world football, but he has pace, power and finishing ability in abundance. It could be a really big season for the 24-year-old.

Barcelona, meanwhile, also began their league season with three points last weekend, but it was slightly more comfortable for the Catalan outfit as they thumped Levante 7-0. The fact that they were 6-0 ahead at the interval and therefore coasted in the second period makes the score all the more worrying for their challengers in Spain and indeed the Champions League.

They won La Liga at a canter last season, eventually finishing on 100 points, 15 clear of Real Madrid and 24 clear of Atletico. They won 32 of their 38 games, finishing the season with a goal difference of plus 75. As if that wasn’t enough, they have added Neymar, who scored 136 goals in 225 games for Santos, into the mix this season. In terms of attacking talent, it does not get much better for Barcelona.

That said, you do worry about their defence, especially in the big matches. Unless they can acquire a player in the mould of Thiago Silva, they will struggle against the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. They also appear to be a midfielder short with Xavi no longer able to play every week and Thiago departing for Bayern Munich.

Although this competition is not a priority for Barcelona, boss Gerardo Martino recently told AS that his side have an ‘obligation’ to perform. The Argentine said: “When you coach Barcelona, you always have to have the highest aspirations and you are obliged to win all the time. We will try to win this trophy. It's an 180-minute game, and we have to approach it with that in mind."

Barcelona were also involved in this competition last season as winners of the Copa del Rey against the then league champions Real Madrid. The Catalan outfit picked up a 3-2 win in the first leg, but were beaten 2-1 at the Bernabeu as Madrid triumphed on away goals. However, Barcelona had the last laugh as they regained the La Liga crown from their rivals.

Here we go then. Both sides make their way out of the tunnel and into the pitch. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the Vicente Calderon this evening. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags we will be ready to get the first leg of this Super Cup underway.

Little over two minutes until kickoff, which can mean only one thing - time for my pre-match prediction. Atletico were imperious on their own patch last season, but it is difficult to back against Barcelona after the way the Catalan outfit started their season at the weekend. That said, I am going to back a score draw in the first leg this evening.

Just a reminder of the main team news. Villa starts for Atletico against his former club in an unchanged lineup from their win over Sevilla at the weekend. Couple of changes for Barcelona from their win over Levante, however, with Alba and Iniesta coming into the team in place of Fabregas and Adriano - who is suspended. Right, the away side get the action underway on this warm evening in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona in their away strip of yellow and red this evening. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the away side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes with Xavi and Iniesta enjoying plenty of the ball thus far. Let's hope for an eventful first leg between two of the best three sides in Spain. The noise inside the stadium is just sensational.

First effort on target for the home side as Turan drives down the left before finding the head of Costa, but the Brazilian can only loop his header into the arms of Valdes. The Barcelona stopper attempts to start a counter with Alba, but the left-back's long pass is headed clear by the imperious Godin. Bright opening four minutes in Madrid.

Iniesta attempts to create an opportunity with a looped pass towards Messi, but Courtois comes out to claim at the vital moment. Slight problem for Pedro moments later as the winger falls under contact from Juanfran, but the referee is not interested in the dramatics. Neither side has been able to settle in the opening stages of this first leg.

Good pressing from the home side as Koke forces Alba to lose possession just inside the Barcelona half. Villa is the target for a through pass, but Pique comes across to clear the danger. If it were a boxing match, Barcelona would be winning thus far due to their dominance in possession. Plenty of intent from both sides in the opening eight minutes of football.

First sign of Messi as the little Argentine collects possession outside the box before driving into the area, but Godin comes across to clear at the vital moment. Suarez has possession down the other end moments later, but the Spaniard cannot find Villa. Nasty moment for Miranda as Courtois comes to claim, but the Brazilian does appear fit to continue.

Here we go, first bit of trouble involving Costa as the Brazilian challenges Alba from behind. Not too much in it, but the forward does appear to tap the left-back on the head moments later. The reaction was disappointing from Alba, who went down as if he had been poleaxed. Not too much in terms of opportunities with 12 minutes on the clock, but Barcelona are in control of the possession.

Wow, just wow. Sensational strike from Villa as the Spanish forward thumps a half-volley into the bottom corner after good work from Turan. He is off and running for the new season. It just had to be him didn't it?

Bit of afters outside the Barcelona box as Costa appears to clash with Alba, but once more the referee takes no action. Barcelona have dominated the possession thus far, but Atletico lead in the first leg of the Super Cup. Can they repel the Barcelona danger for the next five minutes or so?

Simeone cannot sit still at the moment as he continues to parade up and down the touchline. Martino looks calmer, but he has much to ponder. Atletico just are not giving Barcelona a moment to rest at the moment with Gabi and Suarez squeezing at every opportunity. What an opening 17 minutes of football we have had in the Spanish capital.

Extraordinary effort from Villa as the Spanish striker thumps an effort from some 50 yards, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Barcelona attack down the other end moments later with Messi, but Suarez is on hand to make the challenge. Half-chance for Villa moments later, but Pique just manages to clear at the vital moment.

Couple of nervous moments for Courtois as the Atletico goalkeeper once more clashes with Miranda, but the Belgian stopper does manage to collect under pressure from Pedro. Stunning noise inside the stadium at the moment with the home supporters letting their voices be heard. It just isn't quite happening for Barcelona, however, as another pass goes astray in the final third.

Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as the away side attempt to craft an opening outside the box, but there is no way through this stern Atletico defence. Frustration for the Catalan outfit side moments later as Sanchez fells Turan down the left. You just get the feeling that Atletico need to keep Barcelona out in this first period. It could all change so quickly.

Another half-chance for Messi as the Argentine bursts into the Atletico box before thumping an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Villa attempts to find the run of Costa moments later, but it just has too much pace for the Brazilian, who scored twice in the league against Sevilla at the weekend.

CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match for Barcelona as the away side work the ball from left to right before Alves whips a wonderful cross towards Sanchez, but the Chilean just cannot make contact. Barcelona are starting to look wide as Atletico continue to shut off the space in the middle of the park.

Barcelona continue to dominate the possession with a succession of passes outside the box, but there is just no way through this Atletico defence. It is not too difficult to see why they had the best defence in La Liga last season. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with Atletico still leading courtesy of that Villa strike.

More handbags between the two sets of players as Costa appears to dive into a challenge with Busquets, but once more the referee takes no action. In fairness to the Barcelona midfielder, it looked a really sore one. The referee must be credited for the way he has calmed potentially heated situations thus far.

Another half-chance for the home side as Costa's hard work gains possession just outside the Barcelona penalty box, but Pique just manages to clear at the vital moment. The referee continues to be forced into action, meanwhile, with the challenges flying in from both sides. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Vicente Calderon.

Barcelona just cannot get any tempo about their passing at the moment as Atletico continue to slow the game at every opportunity. Costa is again involved in a challenge with Mascherano, but the referee allows the play to continue. Not too much in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but plenty of attacking intent from both sides.

Eventually the referee does issue a card to Juanfran for a challenge on Sanchez. The resulting free kick is whipped into the penalty area by Xavi, but Costa is on hand to clear with a towering header. It falls to Sanchez outside the box, but his effort is wide of the bottom corner. Pulsating football in the first leg of the Super Cup.

Another booking for the home side as Luis fouls Alves down the right. Now Atletico have both of their full-backs in the book. There is some real spice to the game at the moment, but it is suiting Atletico, who are now allowing their opponents a moment to gain any sort of rhythm. Can Atletico keep out the Catalan side in the latter stages of the half?

Half-chance for the home side as Costa drives into the Barcelona box before attempting to turn inside Mascherano, but the Argentine is equal to the danger. Costa turns provider moments later with a searching cross towards Koke, but it is just too long for the midfielder. Little over one minute of the first period remaining.

The atmosphere inside the stadium is just electric at the moment as Busquets becomes the latest player to enter the book for a foul on Suarez. The interval is coming at a good time for Barcelona. How often can you say that?! It has been a sensational first-half display from Simeone's side.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading courtesy of an 11th-minute strike from Villa - and what a strike it was. Barcelona have dominated the possession, but the home side have looked the more potent in the final third. What a performance from Simeone's side thus far.

STATISTICS: As mentioned, Barcelona have dominated the possession with 75%, which is just extraordinary in a game of this magnitude. Atletico have had more attempts, however, with four to Barcelona's three, while the away side are yet to test Courtois.

BENCH WATCH: It will come as no surprise that both sides have a wealth of talent on the bench. Atletico have the likes of Leo Baptistao, Cristian Rodriguez and the wonderfully gifted Oliver Torres in reserve. Meanwhile, Barcelona have options in the shape of Neymar, Fabregas and Cristian Tello.

Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. Barcelona make one change at the interval with Fabregas replacing Messi, yes Messi. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come at the Camp Nou next week. If Atletico can enter that match with a lead, they will give themselves a real chance. The home side get the half underway.

Just to reiterate - Messi has been taken off at the interval. It has been suggested that the Argentine was feeling unwell prior to the match, which could explain why he has been removed at this stage. What a big boost that is for Atletico, and indeed strange not to see Neymar enter the field. Fascinating 45 minutes of football to come. Be sure to remain with us for the action.

Positive football from Barcelona as Sanchez combines with Alba before attempting to drive a low cross into the box, but it moves behind for a goal kick. The interval has done nothing to dampen to spirits of the home supporters, meanwhile, with the noise levels still sensational. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the opening five minutes of the second period.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Barcelona as Sanchez rounds the goalkeeper before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Courtois just manages the save. It falls to Fabregas moments later, who appears destined to finish from close range, but Turan is back with a wonderful challenge. That has saved his team there is no question about that.

It has now been confirmed that Messi was taken off as a precaution after suffering a knock in the latter stages of the first period. Let's be honest, it wasn't going to be tactical! Half-chance for Barcelona moments later as Iniesta strikes an effort from outside the box, but Courtois is on hand to make the save. Much better from the Catalan outfit in the early stages of the second period.

CHANCE! What an opportunity for Miranda. Wonderful free kick from Koke as the Atletico midfielder clips a dangerous set piece into the box, but somehow Miranda fails to make contact with Valdes in all sorts of trouble. What a moment that would have been. End-to-end football with 56 minutes on the clock. What entertainment in Madrid.

Sensational work from Suarez as the Atletico midfielder picks Iniesta's pocket before driving into the opposing half, but Mascherano is across to make the challenge. Suarez and Koke have both been sensational in the middle of midfield thus far. Another scrap occurs between Mascherano and Costa, but once more the referee is on hand to calm proceedings.

Suarez becomes the latest player to enter the book for a foul on Sanchez just inside the Atletico half. Alba attempts to force the issue moments later with a deep cross into the box, but Courtois comes to claim under no pressure. We are getting to the stage where Martino will surely look to the likes of Neymar to make a difference. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.

Indeed Neymar is introduced for Barcelona as the Brazilian enters the field in place of Pedro, who has struggled this evening. Here he comes - the golden boy of Brazilian football. Can he find a way through this stern Atletico defence? He has around 30 minutes to find the key.

Good pressure from Atletico in the last couple of moments with Koke twice delivering telling crosses into the box, but Costa heads the first into the arms of Valdes before Pique clears under pressure from Villa. Hardly a moment to take a breath as both sides continue to commit numbers to each attack. It has been a wonderful advert for Spanish football there is no question about that.

Atletico call for Busquets to be dismissed as the Spaniard, who has already been booked, fouls Koke, but the referee is not interested. It is really heating up at the moment with Godin and Fabregas sharing a moment, but there was nothing much in it. Not too much from Neymar thus far with the Brazilian struggling to find space inside a crowded Atletico half. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining as Alba is booked for a challenge on Costa.

It just had to be him didn't it? Wonderful cross from Alves as the Brazilian floats one to the back post before Neymar steams in with a powerful header. He is off and running for the Spanish outfit. Questions must be asked about Juanfran, however, who was beaten by the little Brazilian.

Half-chance for Atletico moments later as Turan finds the run of Villa in the penalty area, but his effort is straight into the arms of Valdes. Neymar has possession down the other end moments later, but the Brazilian is adjudged to have felled Juanfran. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.

Atletico call for another card as Fabregas dives into a challenge with Godin, but once more the referee is not interested. The pace has just quietened in the last couple of moments with both sides wary of conceding a second. One thing is for certain, a 1-1 draw would be a better result for Barcelona than it would be for Atletico.

Half-chance for Barcelona to take the lead as Xavi strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Meanwhile, Atletico make their first change of the match as Oliver Torres enters the field in place of Koke, who has just tired in the last few minutes. Torres can play there is no question about that.

Possession football from Barcelona in the last few moments with Neymar enjoying plenty of the ball in and around the penalty box. A low cross is delivered by Alba moments later, but Godin is across with the clearance, before Courtois is forced to deny Sanchez after poor defending at the back post from Luis.

Atletico make their second change of the match as Leo, who joined the club from Rayo Vallecano in the summer, enters the field in place of Turan, who has been just sensational this evening. Right, little over 10 minutes of action remaining in this first leg of the Super Cup. Will we have a winner on the night?

It's wonderful work from Leo as the Brazilian collects possession in his own half before bursting past Alves, but the full-back brings the forward to the ground. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Gabi, but his delivery moves over the head of everyone and out for a goal kick. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.

Atletico make their third change of the match as Cristian Rodriguez enters the field in place of Costa, who has just tired in the last 15 minutes or so. Barcelona are dominating the possession, but without really threatening to score a second. It does appear that both sides will settle for a share of the spoils in the first leg.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Atletico fairly comfortable in dealing with the threat from Barcelona. However, you just get the feeling that there will be one last opportunity this evening. Atletico remain a threat on the counter, meanwhile, with the pace and indeed fresh legs of Leo.

Atletico just cannot keep possession at the moment with Barcelona increasing the tempo in the final third. Alves threatens with a deep cross into the box, but Courtois comes a long way to claim under pressure from Sanchez. Neymar is in trouble moments later, meanwhile, as the Brazilian picks up a yellow for fouling Gabi.

Barcelona make their third and final change of the evening as Alex Song enters the field in place of Xavi. Explosive last couple of minutes with both sides committing players to each attack, but it does appear that it will indeed finish at 1-1. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.

So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with the two sides level at 1-1 after the first leg. Just a reminder that the second leg will take place at the Camp Nou next week. Be sure to join us for that! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!