Benzema, Vinicius and Real Madrid train for Uefa Super Cup - in pictures

European champions face Eintracht Frankfurt in Helsinki on Wednesday

Karim Benzema and Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid during their training session ahead of the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium. Getty

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, right, Real Madrid's Luka Modric, left, and Real Madrid's Toni Kroos train during a training session at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium, Finland, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt will meet in the UEFA Super Cup in Helsinki on Wednesday. (AP Photo / Antonio Calanni)

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger, centre, David Alaba, right, and Karim Benzema train for the UEFA Super Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt. AP

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior controls the ball during a training session at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium. AP

Real Madrid's Jesus Vallejo and Federico Valverde and during training. Reuters

Luka Modric, centre, and Aurelien Tchouameni take part in training. AP

Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, centre, tries to make a save during a training session in Helsinki. AP

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, right, and coach Carlo Ancelotti, centre, attend the training session for the UEFA Super Cup final. AP

Real Madrid's defender Antonio Rudiger attends a training session. AFP

Real Madrid's forward Vinicius Junior and defender Nacho Fernandez train for the UEFA Super Cup match. AFP

Real Madrid's Belgian forward Eden Hazard and defender Nacho Fernandez attend a training session. AFP

Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos trains in Helsinki. AFP

Eder Militao during training at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium. AP

European champions Real Madrid will be looking to maintain their position at the summit of continental football as they begin the new season against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Uefa Super Cup in Helsinki on Wednesday.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is the only manager to win the Champions League four times. He proved his mettle the previous season as he orchestrated a stunning march to the title. Real pulled off comeback victories over Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City before defeating heavy favourites Liverpool 1-0 in the the final.

"All the comebacks we made were achieved in our stadium, thanks to that boost which came from the stands. Always believe, never give up. After all, we played against very strong teams. It was inevitable that we would suffer," Ancelotti told Uefa's website.

Madrid are chasing a fifth Super Cup title, and first since 2017, while Frankfurt will be making their first Super Cup appearance following a shootout victory over Rangers in the Europa League final.

The Italian coach said he saw echoes of Real's fighting spirit in their opponents Frankfurt, and is unwilling to take them lightly.

"Last year, Eintracht achieved something special because they weren't among the favourites," added Ancelotti, who returned for a second spell in charge of Real ahead of last season and led them to their 35th Spanish title.

Real will be banking on the core of their all-conquering squad from last season. Karim Benzema leads the way once again following his best season ever. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are also back in an attack that was dominant last season, and the midfield remains anchored by the veteran trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

The Super Cup will start at 11pm UAE time.