Just 1 month since Bayern Munich stepped to the top of Europe after the Champions League final against Paris Saint Germain, they have the opportunity to win another silver cup in the traditional room. Tonight, they will face Sevilla - Europa League champion in Budapest (Hungary) to compete in the European Super Cup.
Bayern started the new Bundesliga season with an 8-0 win over Schalke, as if declaring war on any opponent. Meanwhile, Sevilla, despite not playing in La Liga and no longer having the inspirational moment Ever Banega, are still a tough opponent.
Will the baits once again prove their terrible strength at the legendary Ferenc Puskas stadium, or will Sevilla " disment" Barcelona, who were crushed 8-2 by Bayern last month?
The following statistics will give a more specific image:
1. History of standing up for Champions League champions
The numbers say Bayern entered the match as a stronger candidate. In the last 7 European Super Cup matches, 6 Champions League champions have won.
Since the UEFA Cup was changed to the Europa League in 2009, only Atletico Madrid, the "bottom-up" team, has won this cup (in 2010, 2012, 2018).
2. Which team is it for the second time?
The victory won last month was Bayern's 6th European championship. In the previous 5 times, with Bayern competing in the European Super Cup in 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013 (the 1973-74 season was not held), the Bavarian authorities have only had one win against Chelsea in 2013.
Meanwhile, Sevilla have won the European Super Cup 6 times thanks to winning the UEFA Cup/Europa League 6 times but have only won 1 time in 2006.
3. Which players have a chance to win for the second time?
Up to 6 Bayern players will have the opportunity to lift the Super Cup for the second time. In addition to the 2013 triathlons, including Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Javi Martinez, Lucas Hernandez have also won the title. In 2018, the French international played for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid.
As for Sevilla, only veteran Jesus Navas has a second chance to lift the trophy. The 34-year-old player who was in the Sevilla squad in 2006 unexpectedly won 3-0 against Barcelona.
4. Dramatic
In recent years, European Super Cup matches have been very dramatic. 5/7 matches had to be extended to extra time, including 2 matches that had to be decided by penalty shootouts (Ch Chelsea were all losers, against Bayern in 2013 and Liverpool in 2019).
5. Bayern dominated Spain's opponents on a neutral field
This is the fourth time Bayern have faced Spanish sides on a neutral basis. The first time was in the C1 Cup final in 1974 against Atletico (winning 4-0 in the rematch at Heysel Stadium in Brussels). Next was the 2001 Champions League final against Valencia (a dramatic 5-4 win on penalties at San Siro in Milan).
And just last month, coach Hansi Flick's team made the whole world afraid with an 8-2 victory over Barcelona in the quarter-finals at Da Luz Stadium in Lisbon.
6. Bayern is extremely strong away from home
The German champions are maintaining their recent away unbeaten streak in the Champions League in 16 matches, with 13 wins and 3 draws. They scored 49 goals in that run.
7. Both teams are in good form
With a recent 8-0 victory over Schalke, Bayern extended their winning streak in all competitions to 22. Their unbeaten streak is now 31 matches.
Sevilla under coach Julen Lopetegui is equally formidable, with 21 recent matches without a loss on all fronts.
