Cuper back for revenge

Real Madrid meet Hector Cuper's Inter Milan in the 23rd playing of the Trofeo Bernabeu competiton on Tuesday evening.

What looked set to be a run-of-the-mill pre-season friendly now has far more serious overtones for Real, who, following a series of defeats, are keen to give a good showing in the run up to the start of the League on August 25. The Madrilenos will be without Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo - all of whom are on international duty.

Inter meanwhile, will be without their international stars Javier Zanetti, Recoba, Emre, Sukur and Sergio Concecaio. For Inter coach Cuper, beating his old sparring partners from his time at Valencia is a question of honour, the Argentinian said on the eve of the game: "If Real are missing three players then we are missing 11. But we must play with personality, it's very important to beat Real Madrid especially at the Bernabeu, one of the most famous stadiums in the world".

The Trofeo Bernabeu came to life in 1979 in honour of former chairman, Santiago Bernabeu. The competition, arranged to give fans their first glimpse of the team during the pre-season, always features foreign teams and has been won by the home side on 14 ocassions. Tonight's game will be overseen by referee Mejuto Gonzalez and kicks off at 8.30 pm.