Xabi Alonso will miss the UEFA Super Cup final

by Guilherme Neto

Xabi Alonso commanding Real Madrid midfield

Real Madrid and Sevilla will clash for the UEFA Super Cup final on August 12, in what will be the first trophy being disputed in Europe this year. The Merengues earned the right to play in this game after wrapping up last season’s UEFA Champions League, while Sevilla got their ticket by clinching the 3rd Europa League in the club’s history.

However and following an announcement made by UEFA just a few hours ago, Carlo Ancelotti‘s men will have to go into this game without Xabi Alonso‘s presence on the pitch. The Spanish midfielder, who “invaded” the field of play in Lisbon last May 24 when Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid by 4-1 at the Estádio da Luz, was now suspended for 1 game in European stages.

Xabi Alonso came out of the stands behind Real Madrid‘s bench to run towards his teammates near the corner flag, right after Gareth Bale delivered the Merengues the 2-1 lead in extra-time. As a result of that action, UEFA decided to ban the former Real Sociedad player with 1 game, which means he’ll have to miss the game against Sevilla on August 12. This year’s UEFA Super Cup final will be played in Cardiff, Wales.

Besides Xabi Alonso‘s 1-game suspension, UEFA has also fined and suspended Atletico Madrid‘s manager, Diego Simeone, with 1 game and 21.000 euros fine. The Colchoneros coach was involved in an incident with Raphael Varane, which ended up leading to him getting sent off from the Champions League final.

This match between Real Madrid and Sevilla is scheduled for August 12 and it will be the first live game to be aired on Sky Sports 5, the new channel from the popular British TV company.

Sources: skysports.com / ndtv.com