Real Madrid have secured their first title since the return of coach Carlo Ancelotti: The royals beat defending champions Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the final of the Spanish Supercopa in Saudi Arabia.
With a starting eleven changed in three positions compared to their 3-2 extra-time win over FC Barcelona in the spectacular semi-final Clasico, Real Madrid went into the Supercopa final in Riyadh against defending champions Athletic, who had previously beaten champions Atletico. Besides Alaba and Vazquez, Rodrygo was also new to the team. And the Brazilian was instrumental in the opening goal. He moved with speed into the penalty area on the right and laid the ball off for Modric, who circled the ball into the goal (38th). The deserved lead for the record champions, who had previously struggled against the usual well-positioned Athletic defence despite having the upper hand.
Hard hand penalty finally puts Real on course
After the changeover, VAR played an important role: Benzema failed to hit the ball correctly from the edge of the penalty area and hit his own leg. From there the ball sailed high to the arm of Yeray, who had tried to block the shot, and from there to the corner, which Kroos (as usual in the starting eleven) was already about to take – when the VAR intervened. The referee looked at the scene and decided on a handball penalty. A very harsh decision. Benzema didn’t care, he scored confidently into the left corner and went 2-0 up (52.).
In the following period, the royals had everything under control. Bilbao fought hard, but were rarely dangerous. Athletic had a great chance to tie the game shortly before the end: Raul Garcia headed the ball to Eder Militao’s arm after a cross in the penalty area. Again the video evidence was used and again a penalty was awarded. This time, on top of everything else, the Real defender was given a red card, which also seemed very harsh.
Nevertheless, there was no more tension: Courtois saved Raul Garcia’s centrally kicked penalty with a foot save (89th). A little later, Real Madrid’s first title since the return of coach Carlo Ancelotti last summer was wrapped up. It was not to be the last for the Spanish record champions, who are top of La Liga and face Paris St Germain in the Champions League last 16 in a month’s time.
