Discussing the 2024 UEFA Super Cup might seem a bit premature.
The event itself doesn't carry the highest significance, especially with the European Championship and the finals of the three major European club competitions still pending.
However, this year's circumstances are unique, and this Super Cup might become one of the most highly anticipated in history.
Let's first analyze why the UEFA Super Cup hasn't been highly regarded in the past.
Firstly, the Super Cup is held in August, right at the beginning of the season when teams are usually not in their best form.
Secondly, despite the "battle for the top of Europe" hype, no team goes all out for this trophy, and losing it doesn't cause the heartbreak that losing the Champions League would.
Moreover, although the Super Cup is billed as a top-tier clash, the Champions League winner is typically Europe's strongest team, whereas the Europa League winner is not necessarily on the same level.
Since the turn of the century, teams from second-tier leagues like Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit, and Galatasaray have participated in the Super Cup, which has arguably lowered the competition's quality.
There have been notable Super Cup clashes, like the 2018 match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. However, since the Madrid Derby occurs at least twice a season, fans might not be particularly excited to see it again in the Super Cup.
Another example is the 2017 clash between Real Madrid and Manchester United. While this was a high-profile match, United was past its peak and would not have been in the Super Cup if they were still at their strongest.
Similarly, the 2001 Super Cup between Liverpool and Bayern Munich was considered a high-level contest, but Liverpool wasn't at the top of their game back then.
The key issue is that even if the Super Cup features two top teams, the event's inherent lack of importance and its timing at the start of the season means it doesn't attract much attention.
However, the situation in 2024 is indeed different.
While the Super Cup remains the same, a potential matchup between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen could reach unprecedented levels of hype and attention.
Imagine a match between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.
The critical factor is the performance and reputation of both teams this season, especially Leverkusen. Their current performance is phenomenal, and they are on track for a treble.
If they succeed, it will mark the pinnacle of Leverkusen's history.
Such a rising team facing off against the Champions League royalty, Real Madrid, is bound to be highly anticipated.
Additionally, if Leverkusen manages a treble, it means they remained unbeaten across all competitions (though there is a slim chance of losing the last two league matches).
Therefore, the Super Cup against Real Madrid would be the first official match of the new season, with Leverkusen's unbeaten streak on the line.
There is also historical context between Real Madrid and Leverkusen.
Remember the 2001-2002 Champions League final?
Zidane's stunning goal turned Leverkusen into "triple runners-up."
If they meet again in the final, it will undoubtedly be a chance for Leverkusen to prove themselves.
Of course, this scenario assumes Dortmund and Atalanta do not interfere.
Real Madrid must defeat Dortmund, and Leverkusen must beat Atalanta for this discussion to be relevant.
If the 2024 Super Cup were to feature Dortmund versus Atalanta, it might be the least exciting Super Cup in history.
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