A goal in each half from Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, in addition to a late penalty save by Thibaut Courtois, helped Real Madrid win the Supercopa de Espana. Los Blancos beat last year’s winners Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana final, following their El Classico success over FC Barcelona (3-2, Jan 12).
Several of the game’s best early chances fell Real Madrid’s way. In the 18th minute, Rodrygo survived a challenge from the opposite left-back Mikel Balenziaga and played a square pass to Benzema; his shot, deflected behind by Unai Simon for a corner.
From the resulting set-piece, Eder Militao headed over the bar. Minutes later, seeing Simon off his line, Casemiro attempted an ambitious shot from the right flank, only for the custodian to get back in position, in time, to parry the ball behind. The Spaniard made a fingertip save from the resulting corner, tipping Casemiro’s header over the bar.
Real Madrid’s early dominance paid off in the 38th minute. Casemiro received the ball in his half and immediately broke the lines by firing a pass into Modric’s feet. With Athletic on the retreat, the 36-year-old played the ball out wide to Rodrygo, continued his run forwards, received it back just inside the opposition box, and curled a superb shot around Simon.
Shortly after the interval, Real Madrid were allowed to double their lead as Yeray Alvarez handled the ball inside his box. Benzema stepped up to take the spot-kick and, while Simon judged the direction of the ball correctly, he beat the goalkeeper, thanks to the power and the pace on his strike.
In the 87th minute, Athletic received a boost when Militao was sent off for denying Raul Garcia a clear goalscoring opportunity by the use of his hand. Garcia took the resulting penalty kick, which Courtois saved with his feet – to maintain his clean sheet, and seal the win.
