Atletico Madrid newly signed striker Mario Mandzukic’s early goal sealed the match
Atletico Madrid has sealed Spanish Super Cup defeating Real Madrid by 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) and gained some revenge for last season’s Champions League final defeat on Friday night.
Atletico Madrid newly signed striker Mario Mandzukic’s early goal sealed the match, Reuters reported.
Croatian striker Mandzukic fired into the corner of the net from the edge of the area after two minutes and Atletico then played the best football, although there were chances at both ends.
“We had no control, there were too many long balls and we needed more possession,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted.
It was a fiery game at the Calderon in which Atletico coach Diego Simeone was sent off in the first half for protesting and Real’s Luka Modric was dismissed in added time for a second yellow card.
“I am very happy, the group showed that they still have a lot of fight. This was another final – obviously not as important as the Champions League but still against a strong rival. It gives us a boost for what is ahead,” Simeone told reporters.
“In a contest with two games we can compete but it is much more difficult over a league season with 38 games. Barcelona had a poor season and yet still could have won the league and Real Madrid had a poor start but they could have done as well.”
Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench after suffering a hamstring strain this week and failed to make much impact when he came on at the start of the second half.
The defeat ended Real’s hopes of winning all six trophies this season at the second hurdle after they lifted the European Super Cup last week by beating Sevilla.
It was also an indication that Atletico have lost none of their desire ahead of the La Liga kickoff this weekend.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
