Pep Guardiola will renew his personal rivalry with José Mourinho when Bayern Munich square off against Chelsea in the 2013 UEFA Super Cup – live on ITV and Sky Sports.
The showpiece match marks the first time that the two managerial masterminds have faced each other since their respective departures from La Liga clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The game will also be the first since 2004 that both teams contest without the managers who won them their trophies.
For the first time in its history, the Super Cup – which sees the winners of the previous season’s Champions League go head-to-head with the Europa League winners – will be played between a pair of consecutive Champions League winners.
Chelsea memorably claimed the 2012 UEFA Champions League trophy in dramatic fashion, coincidentally defeating Bayern Munich in the final at their home stadium, the Allianz Arena.
Jupp Heynckes was at the helm when Bayern beat German rivals Borussia Dortmund for the 2013 UEFA Champions League title in a pulsating end-to-end encounter at Wembley.
They came into the game having lost two finals in three years but snatched a dramatic victory thanks to Arjen Robben’s late strike past the otherwise outstanding Roman Weidenfeller.
Chelsea’s UEFA Europa League success saw Rafael Benítez end his tumultuous reign as interim manager on a high.
Fernando Torres put the Blues ahead against opponents Benfica, but Óscar Cardozo deservedly drew the Portuguese giants level with a penalty.
Chances were then missed at both ends before Branislav Ivanovic emerged as the hero, heading home Juan Mata’s corner deep into stoppage time.
Interestingly, the Super Cup remains the only trophy that Mourinho has competed for and not won.
For Bayern fans it may be the first chance to see expensive new signings Mario Gotze and Thiago in action against European opposition.
Chelsea fans could also have the prospect of seeing new £18 million German forward Andre Schurrle against his compatriots could prove an intriguing prospect.
It may not be considered a major honour, but the ‘Special One’ would no doubt love to start his second stint as Blues boss by securing some silverware.
Getting one over Guardiola would be the perfect icing on the cake.
This year’s Super Cup will be played at the Eden Arena in Prague, Czech Republic, and the first to be held away from the Stade Louis II in Monaco since it became a one-legged match in 1998.
Despite their outstanding success in European competitions, Bayern have never won this trophy and are aiming to become the first German club to do so, while the Blues will look to put last year’s match behind them when they were thrashed 4-1 by Atletico Madrid.
As old rivals Guardiola and Mourinho meet again in their new roles at Bayern and the Blues with the hope of taking this early chance to get their hands on some silverware, both ITV and Sky Sports will screen live coverage of the entire match from Prague.
ITV will screen free-to-air coverage of the 2013 UEFA Super Cup.
Adrian Chiles presents the channel’s live coverage from the Eden Arena, where he will be joined for analysis by Lee Dixon and former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet.
Commentary comes from Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend, while Gabriel Clarke will conduct interviews with the managers and key players pre and post-match.
Sky Sports also has live coverage of the match with its build-up programme beginning at 7.00pm ahead of a 7.45pm kick-off.
Ben Shephard presents the action with Jamie Carragher and Niall Quinn provide expert analysis.
Match commentary comes from Martin Tyler and Alan Smith.
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Friday 30th August
UEFA Super Cup 2013: Bayern Munich v Chelsea
Kick-off: 19:45 | Eden Arena, Prague
LIVE: 7.30pm-10.10pm ITV 7.00pm-10.00pm Sky Sports 1
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