Speakig of Spain, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is preparing for the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona without star forward Cristiano Ronaldo who is starting a lengthy ban for pushing the referee during their 3-1 win in the first leg.

 

Meanwhile, the defeat for Barca means life under new coach Ernesto Vervalde got off to a difficult start with question marks over the former Bilbao coaches recruitment after the signing of Paulinho and the hesitancy in finding a replacement for Neymar. Mike Fox has more.

 

An own goal from Gerrard Pique pretty much summed up Barcelona's 3-1 defeat at the Nou Camp on Sunday. The recent signing of Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande hasn't gone down well with some fans. They claim it shows a small club mentality but coach Ernesto Vervalde has defended the transfer and says the 29-year-old can make a difference. If reports are to be believed, Liverpool forward Phillipe Courtinho is on his way to the Catalans and even the players know, since the departure of their star man, more fire power is needed.

 

SERGIO BUSQUETS BARCELONA MIDFIELDER It is clear we need to acquire new players, but not because of our last defeat, it's because football gets more and more demanding. It is always about renewing and trying to improve the squad, regardless the result of the first leg of the. Taking it from there, whoever comes to join the team will be welcomed. But without Neymar we need mainly offensive players. 

 

SPANISH SUPER CUP REAL MADRID TO FACE BARCELONA WITHOUT RONALDO Portuguese forward is suspended for four games for pushing referee  As for Ronaldo and Real, according to the Spanish FA, Ronaldo was in violation of article 96 of the disciplinary code which relates to using "mild force" against officials. This could be grabbing, pushing or shaking. Speaking on Real's website, Zidane said he hoped CR7 wasn't being judged unfairly and also hoped they haven't got something against him.  Ronaldo will miss Los Blancos's start to their title defence against Deportivo, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad. The club has ten days to appeal the decision.

 

ZINEDINE ZIDANE REAL MADRID COACH "We're all very upset. But as usual I will not say anything about the referee. When you see all that happened and think that Cristiano will not play the next five games with us, there is something there. So yes, I am upset, and he, and everyone, is upset because this is a lot for him. That is it."

 

Ronaldo will miss Los Blancos's start to their title defence against Deportivo, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad. The club has ten days to appeal the decision but no matter what the Spanish capital club decide to do, they will hope they will be able to fill the void of a superstar. Just like their opponents. Mike Fox CGTN.