Atletico Madrid fire warning shots with Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid
Who is the ‘realest’ in Madrid now? Perhaps Diego Simeone’s men can claim this accolade proudly created by me I suppose. The Europa League champions began the 2018/19 campaign on a high after getting one over the UEFA Champions League holders who also happen to be local rivals with a 4-2 win after extra time in Estonia.
It was the first competitive match for the 13 time European champions in the Cristiano Ronaldo-less and post-Zidane era after the former joined Juventus in the summer whilst the latter seemed to have journeyed to the Middle East or maybe Manchester as we speak. It took less than a minute for Diego Costa to put Atleti ahead with a sublime finish from a tight angle. It was really a half chance but the Spaniard did what he does best, conjuring a goal seemingly out of nothing. Benzema then equalised for Los Blancos in the 27th minute before Captain Ramos deservedly scored from the penalty spot to put the men in white ahead, after a good spell when they seemed to have controlled the match. It had to be that man again, Costa. The 29-year-old finished from close range, 11 minutes from time after an eye-catching movement spearheaded by Juanfran from the right which also caught the eyes of some Real Madrid defenders.
Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid lifts the trophy as Atletico Madrid celebrate victory in the UEFA Super Cup between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Lillekula Stadium on August 15, 2018 in Tallinn, Estonia
(Aug. 14, 2018 - Source: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images Europe)
Things really went from bad to worse for the Bernabeu residents in extra-time. Two great goals from Saul Niguez and Koke put the match beyond Real and perhaps started exposing some ailments of the new Lopetegui era. I saw some high school defending moments by two of the best centre backs in the world, a spineless but Modricfull midfield and many other things that would piss Real fans. It really was surreal and I hope it was just a one day thing for the European Champions. Ronaldo fans are well in their right enjoying an “I told you so moment right now.”
In summary, Real Madrid were not at their best but Atletico were scary good as well. New signing, Thomas Lemar enjoyed a free role on the pitch for Los Rojiblancos and this performance could really be building up to the FirstTouch ‘prophecy.’
Make no mistake, this was definitely a statement to the rest of Europe. Atletico is ready for anyone.