Atletico de Madrid got the revenge they wanted for their Champions League final loss in May by beating Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa.
Los Colchoneros won a tightly fought battle 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon to achieve 2-1 win overall after the two games between the sides this week.
The visitors were without Cristiano Ronaldo from the start, with Ancelotti choosing to put him on the bench as concerns continue over his injuries carried over from the end of last season. Iker Casillas started in goal ahead of Keylor Navas.
There was no room in the matchday squad for either Angel di Maria or Sami Khedira – perhaps the clearest indication yet the pair have no future at the club.
It was the hosts who started the brightest, and could have been ahead within 30 seconds, with only some last ditch defending preventing Mario Mandzukic geting his effort away, But Los Blancos didn’t learn though, and the summer signing from Bayern Munich gave the hosts the lead on two minutes, combining with fellow new striker Antoine Griezmann before rifling home.
The goal seemed to shock Madrid into life and they began to grow into the game. Despite plenty of possession though, they would have to wait until the 25th minute to get a shot at goal with James Rodriguez going close. Gareth Bale also dragged a couple of efforts wide.
Los Rojiblancos’ boss Simeone was then sent to the stands for arguing with the fourth official and appearing to hit him on the back of the head. Raul Garcia went close for the hosts while James, Real’s most dangerous looking player curled an effort just around the post before the interval.
Toni Kroos was removed at the break for Cristiano Ronaldo and Real started the brighter of the two teams in the second period. But Atletico remained dangerous on the break, and Iker Casillas was alert to the threat of the new striker pairing for the hosts. The 33-year-old then pulled off an amazing save from a Raul Garcia header that hit the bar.
Tempers threatened to spill over at times and there was a flurry of bookings in the first 15 minutes of the second period. On the 70 minute mark, Koke was inches away from sealing the trophy for the hosts, sending an incredible long-range effort just over the bar. Seconds later, Griezmann dragged a shot wide as Atletico looked to finish off the game.
Madrid pressed in the closing stages but didn’t create any clear cut chances. Luka Modric picked up a second yellow card stoppage time as home side held firm to secure the Supercopa in front of a delighted Vicente Calderon.
Wasnt a Game More a Comedy of Errors Both James and Koos get a Taste of aggression between these two clubs and it shows in the way the players play Nervous!! Koos Should have stayed on and Benzema brought off Sadly The French man was Not Productive With Wall of Defense which let real Madrid down they looked easy to Counter. Di Maria would have made Difference with his Speed It could have gone either way not a lot of Structure to Mad house of Play. The seasons just about to get under way lets see how they Settle?
The last 14 days has been a roller Coaster Ride for Real Madrid Jet Lagged.
My Word they looked Lethargic at times. Disappointed Hala Madrid!!