Atletico Madrid won the 2014 Spanish Super Cup with a 1-0 win over Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon this evening.
The two sides entered the match level at 1-1 from the first leg on Tuesday, but Mario Mandzukic's early strike proved enough for Atletico to claim the trophy.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two capital rivals.
Match statistics
Atletico Madrid
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 41%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 17
Real Madrid
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 59%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 16
Was the result fair?
As expected and in keeping with the first leg on Tuesday, it was an incredibly intense evening at the Vicente Calderon. It was an extremely difficult match for the referee, while the atmosphere inside the stadium increased when Atletico boss Diego Simeone was sent to the stands in the first period. Matters on the field took a back seat for long spells of the first 45 minutes, but Mandzukic's early strike had handed Atletico the lead. Both sides had half-chances in what was an end-to-end second period, but despite Real Madrid's dominance of the ball, clear opportunities were at a premium. Los Blancos did increase the pressure in the latter stages, but Atletico remained a threat on the counter and perhaps should have made it more comfortable. All in all, it is difficult to argue that Atletico did not deserve to pick up the narrow victory, which proved enough to claim the Super Cup following a 1-1 draw in the first leg on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid's performance
The Spanish champions have lost key players this summer, but it was Diego Costa's direct replacement - Mandzukic - that proved the difference this evening. The Croatian was superb in the lone role in attack, occupying the two Real Madrid centre-backs for long spells, which allowed the likes of Raul Garcia and Koke freedom in the final third. As expected, it was also an exceptional defensive performance from the home side, with Miranda and Diego Godin unbeatable at the heart of the back four. Atletico boss Simeone was sent to the stands in the first period for dissent, but it did not harm his team's performance. Indeed they had to spend long periods without the ball, but were always comfortable in dealing with the pressure. Make no mistake, however, it was far from one-way traffic, with Atletico creating their fair share of opportunities and exerting a great deal of pressure. Question marks had been raised whether they could again compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona this season, but a lot of answers have been provided over the two legs.
Real Madrid's performance
Again Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will be left frustrated with his side's performance this evening. Cristiano Ronaldo was only fit enough for the bench after injuring his back in the first leg, leaving James Rodriguez alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in the final third. The attacking trio struggled, however, with Atletico affording no space in the final third. The nature of Atletico's goal would also have disappointed Ancelotti, with Ramos beaten in the air by Antoine Griezmann, before Mandzukic found the back of the net. Los Blancos had chances to level in the first period, but Bale and James both passed up good opportunities. Ronaldo entered at the interval in place of Toni Kroos, but it seemed to upset the balance in the middle of the park, with Atletico having more control in the second period. In truth, there was not too much in the match in terms of general play, but Real Madrid will find it difficult to argue that Atletico did not deserve the win.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Tiago: This was an extremely difficult decision, with two standout players on the field this evening. Both of those were in an Atletico shirt, with Tiago and Garcia both exceptional. The former gains this award, however, for a quite superb performance in the middle of the park. The Portuguese was strongly linked with a return to Chelsea this summer, but Simeone was adamant that he would not sell the central midfielder. Tiago was always steady for Atletico last season, but this was arguably his best performance in their famous shirt. The veteran played the whole game at his own pace, dictating the tempo with an incredible range of passing.
Biggest gaffe
Simeone's team might have claimed the trophy this evening, but his conduct after receiving his marching orders was poor. Not only did the Argentine sarcastically applaud the referee, he seemed to tap the assistant referee on the back of the head. It was a strange decision from the experienced manager, with his side in control of the match at that particular time. It did not play a role in matters on the field, but it could leave him with a ban.
Referee performance
As expected, it was a very difficult evening for referee David Fernandez. The Spaniard issued 10 yellow cards, as well as sending Real Madrid's Luka Modric from the field in the latter stages for a second bookable offence. The intensity of the contest was no real surprise, but Fernandez must be credited for keeping a lid on proceedings for long spells. As mentioned, the official also sent Simeone to the stands in the first period, but the reasons for that particular decision have not yet been disclosed. Real Madrid will most likely take exception with a decision in the latter stages, however, with Garcia - who had already been booked - lunging into the back of Xabi Alonso. Garcia remained on the field and moments later Real Madrid themselves were down to 10 men. That said, the red card for Modric had little relevance at that stage of proceedings.
What next?
Atletico Madrid: Atletico begin their La Liga defence away to Madrid rivals Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening.
Real Madrid: Los Blancos are also in La Liga action on Monday - hosting newly-promoted Cordoba.
No Data Analysis info