Real Madrid will bring a two goal advantage to the Bernabéu after beating FC Barcelona 3-1 in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. There are a lot of talking points from this game, so here are the three main points from Los Blancos’ important win.
Asensio isn’t the future, he is the now
I have a huge bromance with Marco Asensio. It started with a chip in the Anoeta against Malaga and I won’t deny that I wiped away a stray tear when my boy scored in the Champions League Final, hence everything I say about him is a little biased.
Up until last night, many Madridistas would have tagged Marco Asensio as a future star. Then he scored a banger at the Nou Camp and did the Raúl celebration.
Asensio brilliantly showcased here that pace isn't all you need to score from a counter. Intelligence is key. pic.twitter.com/u2t6yz0Y5S
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) August 13, 2017
I don’t know about you but I don’t think any player but one of extreme confidence and talent would do that. Marco Asensio is becoming less the future and more the now for Los Blancos, his performances demand that he starts more games against world class opposition.
Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s cameo had the makings of a Game of Thrones season.
He had scored a fabulous goal, mocked Messi and got wrongly sent off faster than you can say “SIUUU”. Real Madrid will no doubt appeal Ronaldo’s second yellow but their case will be made even harder as Ronaldo pushed the referee after getting sent off.
The league authorities are likely to take further action against the 32-year-old meaning he could between 4-12 games for Madrid.
Barcelona are as bad as they look
Real Madrid will have taken a lot of confidence from the performance of their arch rivals. Bereft of confidence or ideas, the Blaugranas looked blunt with the ball and vulnerable without it.
It’s Madrid’s first away win in a Super Cup tie against Barcelona in 27 years and one of the most comfortable Clasicos I have seen Madrid play in years. The Neymar money offers a chance to improve the team but Barca will struggle to attract the necessary talent with performances like that.
Next: BREAKING: Reports suggest Barcelona bid to pay Marco Asensio’s release clause