The 43rd edition of the UEFA Super Cup saw last season's Champions League winners Real Madrid go up against dreaded local rivals and Europa League winners Atletico Madrid at the A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn in Estonia. It is interesting to note that this was the first European club final Estonia would be hosting.
Real Madrid booked their ticket to this final by making light weight of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side who were very impressive en route to the final, losing only a game which was the second leg semifinal game against the hard fighting Roma. It was a game filled with lots of controversies thanks to Ramos's heavy challenge on high flying Mo Salah which ensured that his UCL Final dreams were all but shattered. Liverpool's goalkeeper Karius made two audacious errors, gifting Madrid goals on two occasions. In the end, Madrid ran out 3-1 winners in Kiev.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, booked their ticket to the Super Cup by defeating Olympique Marseille 3-0 in Lyon with World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann playing a big part in that victory by getting on the scoresheet twice, with one goal in each half of the game. Gabi got the last goal in the final minutes of that game. That victory secured Atletico's third Europa League title.
It was always going to be difficult for Real Madrid, adjusting to life after current World Best, Cristiano Ronaldo finalized his summer transfer to Serie A giants; Juventus after almost a decade in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid also has to adjust to life under a new coach after Zidane left his position in the summer. Former Spain coach, Julen Lopetegui was brought in to replace the Madrid Legend but had a competitive debut to forget after succumbing to defeat in the hands of fierce rivals Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid was without their head coach Diego Simeone as a result of the suspension he picked up after the game against Arsenal in the Europa League semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium in London. Assistant Coach German Burgos was on hand to take care of proceedings on the touchline, but that didn't stop Simeone from pacing up and down in the technical area, kicking and nodding every ball with his players. He's such a character to behold.
Match Details.
Atletico Madrid must have come into this game with the 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the 2014 Champions League Final still fresh in their minds and it didn't take time to show that they were here to seek revenge after Diego Costa blasted them ahead within just 60 seconds of kickoff. 26 minutes later, Karim Benzema drew Real Madrid level after a delightful cross was swung from the right by Gareth Bale and Benzema was able to expertly guide it past Jan Oblak in goal for Atletico.
In the second half, Juanfran was guilty of handling the ball inside his penalty area, and the resulting penalty was cooly scored by captain Sergio Ramos to put Real in front for the first time and it looked as though Atletico Madrid were done and buried.
But thanks to a tactical change from the Atletico point of view, bringing in Correa who was able to slide a pass through to Diego Costa who couldn't possibly miss from such close range drew the game level once again. Debuts were handed to new signings Thomas Lemar and Rodri who both impressed in the midfield for Atletico, asking so many questions and causing lots of problem for the Madrid back line.
90 minutes couldn't separate these two and the game was forced into extra time, though I was secretly wishing for a penalty shootout, I love me myself some penalties. Atletico Madrid was very clinical in front of goal in the first half of extra time and dealt serious blows to Real's hope of lifting the trophy by scoring two wonderful goals. The first came from a cut back from Thomas Partey who came in as a substitute which Saul was able to hit one time on the volley. It was a fantastic volley, to say the least. The other goal came from Koke who also struck a cut back from Vitolo first time into the bottom left corner of Navas goal to send the Atletico fans into wild celebration.
Real Madrid Starting XI.
Keylor Navas; Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Toni Kross, Isco; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio.
Atletico Madrid Starting XI.
Jan Oblak; Juanfran, Stefan Savic, Diego Godin, Lucas Hernandez; Thomas Lemar, Rodri, Saul Niguez, Koke; Diego Costa, Antoine Griezmann.
Goalscorers.
- Diego Costa 1', 79' (Atletico Madrid)
- Karim Benzema 27' (Real Madrid)
- Sergio Ramos 63' (P) (Real Madrid)
- Saul Niguez 98' (Atletico Madrid)
- Koke 104' (Atletico Madrid)
Final Score.
Atletico Madrid 4 - 2 Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid finally got one over their local rivals in a final after having to endure years of disappointments in finals against this same opponents. I personally am very glad they were able to pull this off, it will go a long way in helping their mental strength for when next they will face the UCL defending champions in the La Liga.
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