Real Madrid 2-4 Atletico Madrid
Diego Costa scored twice as Atletico Madrid drew the first blood of the new season with a brilliant 4-2 win against Real Madrid in Estonia.
Fans at the 15,000-capacity A Le Coq Arena were treated to a display of Spanish football at its best, with many of the Madrid rivals’ top players on display.
The UEFA Super Cup was billed as the first chance to see two title contenders clash. And while Julen Lopetegui had his first big test as Real Madrid boss, the Atleti head coach, Diego Simeone, was up in the stands to serve a touchline ban.
Fortunately for Simeone, his players put on a great show to see off their rivals in a six-goal thriller.
Highlights of the game
In our UEFA Super Cup 2018 predictions, we speculated that this would be a keenly fought game, and even dared to suggest Los Colchoneros had an edge. Well, it certainly started that way when Costa put them ahead in the first minute while some Los Blancos’ fans were still taking their seats.
Atleti’s biggest stars have committed their futures to the club, and it was one of the very best, defender Diego Godin, who launched the ball up for the opener. Costa then shrugged off the attention of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane before beating Keylor Navas with a brilliant finish.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, the only big signings Lopetegui has made have been Real Sociedad’s defender Alvaro Odriozola and former Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois. But it was the player who many at the Bernabeu hope can fill some of Ronaldo’s void who inspired Real’s equaliser.
Gareth Bale hasn’t always convinced in Madrid, but he showed his world-class ability with an electrifying run down the right wing and a perfect delivery to take out Atletico’s defence and present Karim Benzema with a header at the back post.
Asensio almost put Real ahead moments later, but his 20-yard effort whizzed inches wide. Lopetegui’s men, though, were in the ascendancy when the halftime whistle blew.
The pattern continued in the second half, and they were gifted a goal just after the hour when a Toni Kroos corner hit Juanfran’s arm. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and up stepped Sergio Ramos to send Jan Oblak the wrong way.
That seemed to rile Costa as he was booked for his protests. He was also a little lucky to stay on the pitch soon after when he clashed with Ramos. But the referee’s willingness to give Diego another chance paid big dividends to Atleti when the Enfant Terrible levelled on 79 minutes. Angel Correa reached the bi-line and crossed to give Costa the simplest of chances from point-blank range.
Real Madrid looked the more likely to nick it in the early minutes of extra time, but they were stunned by the goal of the night—a brilliant Saul Niguez volley on 98 minutes. And it was game over when Vitolo lofted a ball over to be met sweetly by Koke who guided the ball home.
Atletico had the legs, and the will, to win.
Key statistics
Diego Costa’s 52-second strike was the headliner of most UEFA Super Cup 2018 news. After all, it was the fastest in Super Cup history and set the tone for a breathtaking pace throughout the 120 minutes.
Recent results between the two teams, in the big games, have often gone the way of the Whites. Real have had Champions League success at Atleti’s expense, beating their city rivals in the 2014 and 2016 finals and the 2017 semi-final.
But is the tide turning? Simeone’s squad is now valued higher than Real Madrid’s. After the departure of Ronaldo, Los Blancos have recently been valued at £693 million, with Atleti at a massive £767m.
What’s next?
There’s plenty for Lopetegui to think about after his dramatic departure from the Spain job. He’s taken on a team which has won three Champions Leagues on the bounce, but one which was way behind Barcelona in last year’s La Liga title race.
Los Blancos begin their league campaign at home to Jose Bordalas’ Getafe on Sunday. The visitors outperformed expectations last year, finishing eighth and almost taking a Europa League spot.
Atletico make a difficult trip to Champions League qualifiers Valencia on Monday where the passionate Mestalla fans will make it a tough night. But they’ll go there brimming with confidence.
It’s going to be a fascinating watch for SBOBET football fans, and we’ll be covering every kick and every goal.
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