Real Madrid won yet another European trophy as they defeated German side Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in a one-off UEFA Super Cup final today. The UEFA Super Cup is an annual one-match competition between the title holders of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
Real Madrid has now won the Super Cup for the fifth time. They last won the Cup in 2017 and lost in a memorable final against Athletico Madrid in 2018.
David Alaba opened the scoring for the Los Blancos side in the first half. It was then strengthened by Karim Benzema in the second half. The goal saw Benzema surpass Real Madrid legend Raul’s goal tally of 323. Karim has now scored the second most goals for the side, only behind their legendary goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo’s 450 goals.
The result of the UEFA Super Cup means that the Champions League holders have now won the past 9 out of 10 editions and the Spanish sides have won the last 17 of the 19 one-legged finals.
Reactions from players:
Sebastian Rode, Frankfurt captain: “Tonight we got a taste of what awaits us in the Champions League this season.” The best teams in Europe, who have high expectations based on the individual quality they boast. You have to defend yourself to the peak of your powers. We were disciplined today and there were phases where we held our own, but against a team like this, you saw that they just needed a moment to score goals.”
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper: “We could have scored one or two more in the first half and also in the second half.” In the last few months, we’ve had three finals and I’ve kept a clean sheet in each of them. It’s always important. We know with the strikers we have up front, we’ll always score a goal.
Real Madrid La Liga title defense begins
After winning the Super Cup and having all the momentum on their side, Real Madrid will begin their La Liga title defense on Sunday against Almeria. Eintracht Frankfurt will continue their Bundesliga campaign against Herta on Saturday after their opening round loss to reigning champions Bayern Munich by 1-6.
Key stats from the match
- This is Real Madrid’s 5th Super Cup victory. They have equaled with Italian side Milan and their arch rivals Barcelona.
- Carlo Ancelotti has now won 4 Super Cup titles. (AC Milan 2003 and 2007 | Real Madrid 2014 and 2022)
- The European Cup/UEFA Champions League holders have won 27 of the UEFA Super Cup’s 47 editions.
