Real Madrid ease past Barcelona to claim Spanish Super Cup
Spanish and European champions Real Madrid continued their glorious run as they defeated arch-rivals Barcelona 2-0 at Santiago Bernabeu to claim Spanish Super Cup on Thursday.
Madrid forward Marco Asensio opened the scoring at minute four when he struck a long ranged shot that flew past a hopeless Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen. Benzema doubled the lead at minute 39 after pouncing on a cross from full-back Marcelo.
The Catalan side failed to capitalise on opportunites created as forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez saw their efforts bounce off the crossbar.
Having already overpowered Barcelona by three goals to one at Camp Nou on Monday, a Ronaldo-less Madrid had the odds highly in favour of them and with a 2-0 victory, the Spanish champions claimed the trophy with a 5-1 aggregate score.
Barcelona’s only goal in the two-legged tie came from the spot as Messi deceived Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas at Camp Nou to make it 1-1.
Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane praised his team’s performance as being “spectacular” in a post match interview.
"I have a spectacular squad. We played a great game again today. We started very well, with lots of intensity from the start, playing in their half, winning the ball back there. It was the game we hoped for." He said.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was however hopeful for a positive season ahead adding that the team failed to capitalise on chances created, but there is a lot to learn.
"We had chances to get in the game but we did not capitalise. We have been penalised in the losses. We have to recover soon in the psychological point of view because La Liga starts." The tactician said.
Earlier this week, Barcelona fans on Twitter started a movement to oust club president Josep Bartomeu over club’s recent performances and criticised the administration for proving to be a liability. The hashtag #BartomeuDimitiYa that translates to “Bartomeu resign”, appeared as a result of club policies that fans vehemently opposed.
Barcelona get their season underway against Real Betis in a home La Liga fixture and defending champions Madrid travel to Deportivo on Sunday.