RIYADH: Real Madrid claimed their 12th Spanish Super Cup title on Sunday with a historic win in Riyadh.
The club defeated defending champions Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to claim their first silverware of the season.
Real Madrid were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after striker Karim Benzema’s shot struck Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez on the hand.
Benzema made no mistake, adding to the tally after Croatian international Luka Modric scored late in the first half.
David Alaba put on a dominant display as he returned to the side after being ruled out of the semifinal.
Bilbao were awarded a late penalty after Eder Militao was sent off for handling the ball. However, they were unable to convert and mount a late comeback, with Thibaut Courtois saving substitute Raul Garcia’s penalty kick.
Garcia almost managed to bring Bilbao back into the game, but his header went over the bar in the 62nd minute.
The game was a cagey affair in the early stages, with both sides having chances.
Benzema came closest to scoring, but his shot was palmed away by Unai Simon in the 17th minute.
A marauding run from Brazilian star Rodrygo set up Modric, who curled a shot past the Bilbao goalkeeper in the 37th minute, putting Real Madrid one step closer to lifting the trophy.
The only notable change for Real was Rodrygo replacing the injured Marco Asensio and Lucas Vasquez taking the place of Carvajal, who tested positive for COVID-19.
