Spanish Super Cup 2013: Players Under the Most Pressure to Perform Well

The Spanish Super Cup is not usually known as one of the more prestigious trophies in Spain, but there is a lot on the line in the upcoming matchup between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Barca are looking for their first triumph under new manager Gerardo Martino. And while there will certainly be more chances for trophies as the season progresses, a loss in this match would certainly bring about some doubts concerning the hire.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are trying to prove that last year's Copa del Rey was not a fluke. The club upset Real Madrid in the finals, and are looking to do the same in this big-time battle.

Besides the full squads being under pressure, a few specific players have to deal with added pressure to play well.

Here are the players who must have good showings in the first leg of the Supercopa.

Neymar, Barcelona

There might not have been a bigger signing of the summer than Neymar's transfer to Barcelona. The young player has dazzled with his play in the past, but now it is time to produce for the Spanish giants.

He came on as a substitute in the squad's 7-0 win for Levante, but he only played seven minutes on the same pitch as Lionel Messi. After that, he made little impact besides a few impressive dribbles and a yellow card late on.

Neymar will get time to prove himself, but fans are antsy for something memorable to come from the 21-year-old player. If he gets an opportunity, a goal or a classy assist in this match, that would be more than enough to keep fans happy for the coming weeks. 

David Villa, Atletico Madrid

There might not be a player with more at stake in this match than David Villa. The former Barcelona player was sold to their La Liga rival for just £4.4 million this summer.

This match will be his first chance to show that his old club made a huge mistake by letting him go. 

The veteran player is an excellent finisher around the net and is confident that his club can take advantage of opportunities. His knowledge of Barca also gives him a perfect scouting report of how to beat them.

A strong performance in this match will allow him some form of a redemption as he proves he still has plenty of time left in his career.

Javier Mascherano, Barcelona

After Martino claimed he will no longer be going after another centre-back, the pressure was immediately put on Javier Mascherano. 

The defender/midfielder has moved in and out of the starting lineup at Camp Nou over the past few seasons. However, he becomes a top option at centre-back while Carles Puyol regains his fitness.

In a squad full of elite offensive players, defense is the only real weakness on the roster. It will be up to Mascherano to maintain focus and prevent any easy looks at the net in this match as well as all contests in the near future.

Diego Costa, Atletico Madrid

This entire season will be filled with pressure for Diego Costa. After scoring 10 goals last season, he will be expected to step up and try to replace the departed Radamel Falcao and his 28 goals.

Costa has already gotten off to a strong start with two goals in the club's first match against Sevilla. However, he must be able to keep this going throughout the year.

A goal or two against the defending La Liga champions would certainly bring confidence that he is capable of a big year.

Lionel Messi, Barcelona

There is no increased pressure for Messi in the Spanish cup, there is simply always pressure on the world-class player to perform.

After scoring 96 goals over the past two league seasons, Barca have become reliant on his ability to get onto the scoresheet every game. As a result, the club struggled at the end of last year when Messi suffered a hamstring injury.

Neymar will provide another scoring option for the squad this season, but Messi is still needed to produce every time he steps on the pitch. After failing to score against Atletico the last time these teams played, he will look to get his points early in this one.

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