At full time, the score reads Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid. Atletico are champions of the Spanish Supercup 2014. It was a hard fought game throughout all 90 minutes and Atletico looks like the team of last year, even with the new additions and departures. Real Madrid, despite the loss, are always a threat and when Ronaldo returns to form they will be back on track.
Half Time Analysis
At halftime Atletico are up after an early goal from Mandzukic after a back header from Antoine Griezmann who received the ball from Moya after a long clearance. After the goal the game looked much like the first half in the first leg with Real Madrid controlling the possession and the tempo while Atletico invited pressure and waited for a counter-attack. The game was very physical as expected.
Not many chances in it, although anything good that Real produced came through James Rodriguez. Bale has not shown up in Ronaldo’s absence and neither have Benzema or Kroos. Atletico have not produced much after the goal but did have a dangerous set piece near the end of the half. El Cholo has also been sent off for disputing with the referee and apparently smacking the 4th official in the back of the head. The crowd playing it’s part and Moya has had some good interventions as well.
Full Time Analysis
After 90 minutes it is clearly demonstrated that Atletico de Madrid wanted this more. It was a great team game from them and the second half brought more excitement from both teams. Atletico seemed to contain the opposition in the second half, again without producing much. Simeone was also in the stands shouting out instructions with passion. The second half also saw the replacement of Toni Kroos with Ronaldo. Ronaldo didn’t participate as much as he needed to and didn’t seem himself, didn’t show that form from last season. The recurring injury that he’s sustained keeps nagging at him and I know we have not seen the best of him yet.
Benzema was nonexistent in the second half and Bale wasn’t able to shine as Siqueira shut him down nicely. The second half also brought many bookings with nine players booked including a double yellow to Luka Modric in the dying minutes of the game. Koke had a nice curling shot just go over the bar.
Raul Jimenez from Atletico played some good passes for goal opportunities as well. The Atletico defense was solid all game once again. Real Madrid’s only shining light I would have to say was Dani Carvajal. He played a decent game and made some key interventions, James also played well and looked the most dangerous of los Blancos when he was on.
Man of the Match
It was very difficult to choose because I thought Koke had a great game, Mandzukic as well, Thiago and Gabi too. I settled for Raul Garcia. He didn’t get the goal today, but he provided so much to Atletico’s attack. He had a few good chances on goal and created chances as well. He played with heart and determination and has made himself a fundamental player in Simeone’s system. The perfect appetizer to the start of the league this weekend. Atletico have shown that they will once again be contenders for all the titles they are chasing. Real Madrid needs a bit more time adjusting to the new players and how to best accommodate all of them. Carlo Ancelotti has a jigsaw on his hands. What a great game and I can’t wait for the next derbi Madrileno.
