Real Madrid may consider new signings after UEFA Super Cup

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will face off in the first derby of the season, in both team's first official matches, in the UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday. This presents Julen Lopetegui with a good chance to evaluate his squad.

Lopetegui will decide, depending on the performance of his players and the result, whether he needs to make new signings before the transfer window closes.

It's important for Real Madrid to get off to the perfect start and win their first title of the season. Now that Cristiano Ronaldo, Mateo Kovacic, Theo Hernandez and Arhraf are no longer at the club and with the only new additions being Thibaut Courtois and Alvaro Odriozola, it could turn into a long and testing season for Lopetegui at Real Madrid.

a dangerous and reinforced atletico

Atletico Madrid will prove to be a real test. Diego Simeone has strengthened his side with the additions of Rodri (Villarreal), Lemar (Monaco), Nehuen (Argentinos Juniors), Adán (Betis) Gelson Martins (free transfer), Jonny (Celta Vigo), Arias (PSV) and Kalinic (Milan). This is on top of keeping their star players such as Griezmann, Godin and Koke. A dangerous rival which doesn't stop improving and has a fine record against their city rivals in European knockout matches.

Lopetegui approaches the match with less than Zidane had last season, plus neither of his new signings are likely to start on Wednesday. Courtois is expected to be on the bench and Odriozola is unavailable due to injury.

This presents the Real Madrid coach with a tough task. He'll need to depend on last season's reserves, such as Dani Ceballos, or youth products, such as Reguilon or Valverde, to replace the usual starters in his squad. One of them, Luka Modric, isn't expected to be named in the starting lineup but should be fit enough for a place on the bench.