UEFA Super Cup: Real Madrid 2-0 Eintracht Frankfurt: Five-star Madrid triumph in Helsinki
Real Madrid put on a clinical display to win the UEFA Super Cup for a record-equalling fifth time as Carlo Ancelotti broke new ground with his fourth title as a coach and Karim Benzema became the Spanish side’s all-time second highest goalscorer.
Despite a slow opening in Helsinki as a well-structured Frankfurt set out to make life difficult for Real Madrid, the first half quickly heated up when the German outfit broke loose from their compact 5-4-1 to register the first real chance of the contest.
Eventually flagged offside, Jesper Lindstrøm’s strike against the run of play forced a save from Thibaut Courtois. Shortly after, the Belgian goalkeeper was called into action again when Daichi Kamada found a route through the white shirts as Eintracht began to cause Carlo Ancelotti’s side some issues on the left.
That said, Madrid were still dominating possession. Vinícius Júnior soon made it to the by-line but, despite evading his marker with a slick Cruyff turn, was unable to pick out a team-mate to finish the move.
The Brazilian striker was a threat once again in the 17th minute when Benzema redirected Federico Valverde’s cross into his stride, but Tuta launched himself along the goal line to prevent an opener.
Kevin Trapp sprawled low to tip Vinícius Júnior’s next attempt out for a corner. However, Casemiro’s subsequent delivery finally fell for David Alaba to turn in from close range.
Vinícius Júnior tested Trapp again early in the second half, before Casemiro’s swerving strike from distance crashed off the woodwork, as Madrid continued to dictate the tempo.
And in the 65th minute Benzema made it 2-0, as Los Blancos too easily passed their way through Frankfurt before their No9 slotted past Trapp.
The game opened up as Frankfurt pressed to get back into the contest. In an end-to-end finish Oliver Glasner’s men gave their all, but the champions of Europe proved too big a challenge, Madrid’s dominant display sealing their fourth triumph in the competition in nine seasons.
