MADRID, Aug 28: A Spanish Super Cup comeback against arch-rivals Barcelona and the arrival of Croatia nplaymaker Luka Modric may provide the perfect springboard for Real Madrid to kick-start their season.

Anything less will add to a disappointing start to a campaign in which Real are yet to win in three games, including the 3-2 defeat to Barca in the first-leg at the Nou Camp last Thursday.

Sunday’s shock 2-1 reverse at city neighbours Getafe came after a 1-1 home draw with Valencia in their opening La Liga game.

And Modric, signed from Tottenham on Monday, has little time to adapt to his new surroundings as Real look to overturn that deficit when they host Barca at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

“I’m ready, but coach [Jose Mourinho] will decide if he use me or not,” Modric said. “It’s going to be tough for me to earn a place but that’s the challenge, the biggest challenge of my career. Expectations are as high as possible and I’m ready for that.”

Barca are riding high at the top of La Liga having won their opening two matches and have already opened up a five-point gap to Real, the defending champions, in the league.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was downplaying the importance of a victory in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.

“The season could not have started better...the team seems in very good shape,” said Pique.

“It’s more for the title than the idea of winning it in the Bernabeu, it’s a trophy and the tie is finely balanced so either side can win it.

Although we are going there to try and win it, I don’t think it will influence the league, which has a long way to go.”

Barca coach Tito Vilanova has a question mark over captain and centre back Carles Puyol after he fractured his cheekbone in the Osasuna game.

Midfielder Alex Song could make his debut after arriving from Arsenal last week.

Real are waiting on the fitness of Portugal defender Pepe who has not played since sustaining a head injury against Valencia. —Agencies