Budapest -
The Bayern Munich, king of Europe in August, continues in search of titles against Sevilla, in a UEFA Super Cup that should mark the return of fans to stadiums, although the presence of the public in Budapest is still threatened by the pandemic.
Just like in Lisbon last summer, Bayern is the clear favorite in the Hungarian capital against a Sevilla that won its sixth Europa League in August.
But, unlike Portugal, the stands of the new Puskas stadium in Budapest will not be empty: for the first time since the end of winter, a European stadium opens its doors to a large audience.
TV Channel: Fox Sports
Schedule
12:00 Los Angeles
14:00 Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico
15:00 New York, Venezuela, and Bolivia
16:00 Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil
20:00 England
21:00 Spain, Italy, and Germany
30% of the 68,000 seats at the venue were put on sale, that is, around 20,000 spectators with whom UEFA hoped to turn this match into a test for the long-awaited return of fans after months of closed doors.
However, the coronavirus is far from being defeated and the 'test match' is now more of a match of fear, despite the drastic sanitary measures taken by the organizers (requirement of negative PCR tests, temperature check, masks, social distancing...).
Wave of infections?
Hungary is not an exception in a Europe heavily affected by the virus, being considered a sanitary “risk area” by most European nations, including Germany.
This did not help convince Bayern fans, who also had to take tests on the way to and from the venue.
The head of the Bavarian regional government, Markus Söder, also considered a trip to Budapest "unreasonable".
As a result, around 800 Bayern fans returned their tickets and only 1,300 will be present, according to UEFA, while around 500 Sevilla fans will travel from the initially planned 3,000 spots for each delegation.
"It is normal to have doubts. We are doing what has been communicated to us and what we hope is that there is no problem," said Manuel Suárez, director of the Sevilla Federation of Supporters, to the newspaper ABC.
Even Bayern coach Hansi Flick expressed doubts about the insistence on holding the match in Budapest: "It is something that is not fully understood," he said.
22 consecutive victories
Bayern has no choice but to play the match and hope, above all, that it does not become a "Super Spreader Cup", as described by German newspaper Bild on Tuesday.
The other problem is the fitness of superstar Robert Lewandowski: the Polish player, with an ankle knock, only trained for a dozen minutes on Tuesday.
Aside from that, Bayern seems ready, despite the absence of Lisbon hero Kingsley Coman, in quarantine after being in contact with a positive Covid-19 case.
The German league champions come into the match after thrashing Schalke in the start of the Bundesliga on Friday (8-0), recording a 22nd consecutive victory since February, and along the way winning the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the Champions League.
Facing them is a Sevilla side that has not lost in 21 consecutive matches, but with little playing time.
The Andalusians have not yet started competing in LaLiga and this will be their first big test, after three friendlies.
"To consider them favorites is not saying anything, but we are going to travel to Budapest and we will show up for the match. From there, we will try by all means to bring the title to Seville," said Sevilla Sports Director Monchi.
Coach Julen Lopetegui will have to make some changes after the departure of players like Ever Banega or Sergio Reguilón, who helped win the Europa League.
In midfield, former Barcelona player Ivan Rakitic is likely to start, while up front Dutchman Luke de Jong would be the main striker. (D)
Possible lineups
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Pavard, Süle, Alaba, Hernández; Goretzka, Kimmich; Sané, Müller, Gnabry; Lewandowski. Coach: Hansi Flick
Sevilla: Bounou; Navas, Koundé, Diego Carlos, Escudero; Rakitic, Fernando, Jordán; Suso, De Jong, Ocampos. Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)