TONIGHT’S UEFA Super Cup clash marked the first time ever that Atletico Madrid’s squad has been worth more than Real Madrid’s.

Diego Simeone’s squad is valued at a whopping $1.3 billion compared to the $1.2 billion of their rivals.

Atleti have been able to overtake the Bernabeu club in part due to the signing of Thomas Lemar as well as Antoine Griezmann’s development and Diego Costa’s increased worth.

The Bernabeu club, however, have seen their squad’s value fall an incredible $260 million from $1.5 billion last season, with the sale of star asset Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus for $174 million contributing massively.

It is a remarkable rise considering in 2011/12, the season in which Simeone took over from Gregorio Manzano and Jose Mourinho was Real manager, Atleti’s squad was worth less than a third of Real’s.

That season, Real and Atletico were worth $844 million and $278 million respectively.

Obviously the inflation of the transfer market over recent seasons has contributed massively to the huge increases in respective value.

The dramatic change has taken place in the last couple of years. When the Madrid rivals met in the 2016 Champions League final, Real’s squad was worth well over double Atletico’s.

Since Simeone took over in December 2011, Real Madrid have had five different managers with Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez, Zinedine Zidane and now Julen Lopetegui.

However, despite their squad being worth less, it is Real Madrid who have enjoyed the on-pitch success over recent years.

From the 2011/12 season onwards, Real have won two La Ligas, a Copa del Rey, four Champions Leagues and three Super Cups.

In comparison, Simeone has led his side to one league title, one Copa del Rey, two Europa Leagues and a Super Cup.