Real Madrid confirmed the Spanish Super Cup title after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the final match at the King Fahd International Stadium, Sunday (16/1).
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad appeared to dominate possession in the first half. While Bilbao played more carefully and relied on counter-attacks.
Madrid’s best chance occurred in the 26th minute. Rodrygo tried to fire a shot to the right side but was still pushed over by Unai Simon who performed brilliantly.
One minute later, Simon made another important save by parrying Casemiro’s header. Bilbao’s goal was finally broken in the 38th minute through Luka Modric’s measured kick.
Receiving a short pass from Rodrygo, Modric who was not guarded in front of the penalty box immediately fired a curling shot that slid swiftly into the top left side of Unai Simon’s goal.
Athletic Bilbao almost equalized in the 45th minute. However, Oihan Sancet’s shot was wide of the target.
Seven minutes after the second half kick off, Madrid managed to double the score through Karim Benzema’s penalty. Penalty awarded for Bilbao defender handball.
Left behind by two goals forcing Bilbao appear more attacking. They almost equalized had Raul Garcia’s heading in the 63rd minute not off the mark.
Bilbao turned to press and launched dangerous attacks that kept Madrid busy defending.
In the 87th minute Bilbao had a golden opportunity to score through the penalty spot because of a handball by Eder Militao. The Brazilian defender was even given a red card for deliberately holding the ball in a restricted area.
However, Raul Garcia’s shot could still be thwarted by Courtois. The Belgian international goalkeeper had actually moved to the side but his feet were still able to block the ball.
Bilbao continued to try to attack Madrid’s defense in the remaining time but failed to break into Los Blancos’ goal until the referee blew the long whistle. Madrid also has the right to lift the Spanish Super Cup this season.
Luka Modric made history as the oldest player to score in the Spanish Super Cup
Modric scored a beautiful goal. Starting from Rodrygo’s short pass, Modric, who was not guarded in front of the penalty box, immediately fired a curved shot that slid into the top left side of Unai Simon’s goal.
This goal will be remembered by many people because it became a new history, namely the oldest player to score in the Spanish Super Cup. Modric was recorded to have been 36 years 129 days when he scored a goal against Bilbao.
Club president Florentino Perez could not hide his happiness. He even said Modric still deserved the Ballon d’Or award.
“Modric is in an enviable form and also deserves to win another Ballon d’Or,” said Florentino, quoted by Marca.
Florentino hopes the Spanish Super Cup title can be a good capital to pursue another trophy this season.
“We always want to win everything. We have been taught that since we were young and I am happy that Madrid have won their first trophy of the season,” he added.
Currently Madrid have the opportunity to win the Spanish League because they control the top of the standings with 49 points, five points ahead of their closest rivals Sevilla.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is also still maintaining the hope of winning the Champions League. However, Madrid had to fight hard against the French giants, Paris Saint Germain, who were very ambitious to lift the title.
