An intense match that consisted of plenty of goals with the Diego Costa versus Sergio Ramos match up made for an entertaining UEFA Super Cup. Real Madrid who are coming of their third UEFA champions league winners faced off against the Europa League winners. The Europa League winners happen to be Real's crosstown rival, Athletico Madrid. The night ended with an Athletico Madrid victory after extra time was needed to separate the two teams. In the end, Real Madrid failed to hold onto their 2-1 lead as the match ended 4-2 in favor of Athletico.
A few thoughts that crossed my mind as the match progressed focused mainly on Real Madrid. Los Galacticos allowed a goal in the first minute from an error and miscommunication between Sergio Ramos and Varane. Diego Costa's shot sizzled past the Costa Rican goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, as the shot went in near post. A shot that a goalkeeper at the highest caliber should make. The second goal was due to Marcelo keeping the ball in play only to put him in a disadvantage position over his opponent. The left back's error went on to cost the team that allowed the sequence of passes for the second goal to be scored tying the match at 2-2. The third goal-oh what a beauty!- was due to Varane holding onto the ball way too long on his own end. School boy error to say the least. The fourth goal was due to Real Madrid being stretched on the counter and most likely not being tactically aware of their poor positioning as Real Madrid had 5 defenders in the box covering two players only to have Vitolo and Koke show up at the edge of the box to combine for the fourth goal.
Why do I bring this up? Mainly because I enjoy watching and analyzing the sport I love, but also to fuel my bias. I am a fan of Keylor Navas and have a bit of disgust on how Real's board treats their players even club legends such as Raul, Guti, and Casillas. To be fair, any team can upgrade and should, that's part of the game. However, these goals demonstrate that the issue is on the back line more so than the goalkeeper. This summer Madrid went on to purchase Courtois from Chelsea. Which is not bad, he is an excellent goalkeeper and much younger than the 3 time champions league winner Madrid currently have guarding the posts. The purchase would seem ideal if the team followed up with a defender or two. The transfer deadline is coming to a close soon in the up and coming days and any signing would seemed rush, especially after this defeat. I would have prioritized a center back (Bonucci) and a right back (Pavard), but I am not the Real Madrid board and aren't clear what their future intentions are. Today's match I saw a Real Madrid that looked vulnerable at the back and it wasn't due to the goalkeeper. I understand that this is a sort final that falls under the preseason category, but it still reveals a lot about the teams that participate in it.
That being said, Athletico Madrid looked better organized and are a team that can contest Barcelona for the La Liga crown. Diego Simeone has had a lot more time at the reigns compared to Real Madrid who seem to be on a rebuilding cycle. But, this time around Ronaldo isn't here to make up for the aging back line.
