JEDDAH: Real Madrid were crowned winners of the first edition of the revamped Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw after extra time in a tense final.
The crucial moment in the game came when Real midfielder Federico Valverde deliberately fouled Alvaro Morata when he was through on goal in the 115th minute, avoiding a clear chance for Atletico but earning a straight red card.
Zinedine Zidane’s side survived the final stretch of the game to force penalties and captain Sergio Ramos calmly sent Atletico keeper Jan Oblak the wrong way to convert the decisive fourth spot kick for Real to seal the first trophy of the season.
Real’s Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo Goes and Luka Modric also scored in the shootout while Saul Niguez struck the post and Thomas Partey’s effort was punched away by Thibaut Courtois in a nightmare start for Atletico, with only Kieran Trippier scoring for them.
“I had studied their penalty-takers before,” Courtois said. “I knew where Thomas was going to shoot. It was a good save because he struck it hard.”
Ramos hoisted the Super Cup into the Jeddah sky as Real lifted the trophy for the 11th time. It was a 10th trophy for Real under coach Zidane, their first since the Frenchman returned to the role last March after resigning in 2018.
“We have the experience you need in the dramatic moments,” said Ramos, who also praised Valverde for his crucial foul on Morata, adding: “Fede is a fantastic footballer and we would all have done the same thing in his position.”
Real midfielder Isco added: “The final came down to the boots of Valverde, he was very intelligent and sacrificed himself for the team.”
The shootout victory also preserved Zidane’s flawless record in finals, with the Frenchman winning all nine showpieces he has reached with Real as coach.
“As a player it was the same, I gave it all on the pitch and I had my rewards. And the same thing is happening as a coach,” Zidane said. “Above all I want to congratulate my players. We believed in the win until the very end.”
For Atletico it was another loss in a final against their bitter rivals. Real beat Atletico on penalties in the 2016 Champions League final, and had won in extra time in the 2014 Champions League final. Atletico got some revenge by beating Madrid in the 2018 European Super Cup.
“The most important play was the one by Valverde, who stopped us from having a chance that could have decided the match,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. “He won the match.”
Valverde said that he was not proud of the foul that helped his team-mates reach the shootout where their finishing touches from the spot made all the difference.
“It was something you shouldn’t do and I apologised to Alvaro but it was the only option I had left,” said Valverde. “I know it isn’t right what I did, but I had to do it. I am happy for the title, but I don’t feel great about it.”
Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2020