It’s a Spanish Super Cup – or Supercopa de Espana to give it its proper name – with a difference.
For a start, Barcelona v Sevilla will be played in Tangier, Morocco, and what’s more, it’s a winner-take-all tie.
Normally a two-legged affair – one at each stadium of the participants – thanks to a busy pre-season for Barcelona and the lack of spare dates, both teams have had to agree to the suggestion of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Of the last 13 Spanish Super Cups to be played, Barcelona have been involved in 10 of them, winning seven and losing three. Two losses came in the last three seasons, which sandwiched a win over Sevilla.
The Andalusians were also beaten by the Blaugrana in this competition in 2010, and the last time Sevilla held the trophy themselves was back in 2007 after a victory against Real Madrid.
So what’s likely to shape Sunday night’s encounter… ?
Lenglet master class against his old side
The first competitive game of the season sees centre-back Clement Lenglet up against the team he left just a few weeks ago.
He’s impressed everyone at Barca during pre-season with his calmness on the ball and maturity in play. He never seems to panic and almost always chooses the right pass.
With the Catalans wanting to build from the back at every opportunity, his role, in particular, will be crucial.
Though new Sevilla coach, Pablo Machin, will go with an unfamiliar 3-4-3 system, he still has enough talent in his side to cause Barca problems.
Lenglet will look to stifle Luis Muriel’s creativity throughout, ensuring Sevilla don’t get too many goal scoring chances.
🔙 #Messi's goals ⚽💥 🆚 Sevilla in the Spanish Super Cup!
Messi’ favourite victim
No team is safe from Lionel Messi when he’s on song, and the new Barcelona captain does like playing against Sevilla.
They’re the side he’s scored most goals against in his career, and he’s also managed four against them in the Spanish Super Cup.
The Argentinian clearly loves this competition as much as any other he’s played in, as his 13 goals would suggest.
Shop window for Munir, Rafinha and Cillessen
With the transfer window still open in all but the Premier League, this match does give Munir El Haddadi, Rafinha and Jasper Cillessen the chance to put themselves firmly in the shop window.
There’ve been a paucity of offers for the trio to this point, and though all three offer something, none will threaten Ernesto Valverde’s usual starting XI in 2018/19.
It’s not over-egging it to say that a good performance here could help decide their futures.
