Real Madrid faltered against Atletico Madrid in a 2-4 scoreline in the UEFA Super Cup that took place in Estonia. Here’s a look at the first competitive fixture of the season.
Real Madrid took part in their first competitive match of the season, meeting up against city rivals Atletico Madrid. The game has been an annual fixture between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and Europa Cup current title holders. Estonia played host to glamour affair which was quite the exciting match.
First-Half
Real Madrid looked incredibly shaky to start, having conceded less than 60 seconds into the match, it had many scared early on. Poor defensive communication and coverage led to a goal from Diego Costa riffling the ball past Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican instantly was instantly lit a flame on Twitter but proper analysis indicates that it was, in fact, a poor defensive lapse by Real.
26 minutes later Real Madrid would draw the game level with a beautiful attacking combination of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. The Welshman put it in gear and blazed up the right wing with pace to give him the space to whip in a perfect cross. Bale’s ball in had the right amount of depth and power as Oblak was unable to claim it in the air. Karim Benzema’s oncoming run was perfectly timed, meeting the train at the right stop.
HT Thoughts:
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) August 15, 2018
1. The start was looking shaky
2. The goal conceded was a combination of poor defending and keeping
3. Benzema's goal was amazing! Great run and cross from Bale, class!
4. Great link up in the midfield with neat passing on the ground
5. Decisiveness needed, SHOOT!
Once the game was drawn level Madrid looked more fluid and comfortable on the ball moving it around with pace and accuracy. While it wasn’t fancy the midfield kept it clean and on the ground, just what this squad is capable of. Despite getting the ball into space Real failed to pull the trigger when the opportunity arose, a little more decisiveness would have been nice.