In a Spanish Super Cup semi-final that will go down in Madrid derby lore, Real Madrid edged Atletico Madrid 5-3 in a thrilling extra-time encounter played out in the sands of Saudi Arabia. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring own goals, record-breaking strikes, and a late winner that defied all logic.
Atletico Draw First Blood, But Real Madrid Respond Quickly
Atletico struck first through a familiar face, with Antoine Griezmann whipping in a dangerous corner met by the unmarked Mario Hermoso. Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Antonio Rudiger mirroring Hermoso’s feat to head home a Luka Modric corner just ten minutes later.
Los Blancos Take the Lead Before Griezmann Levels the Score
Los Blancos then grabbed the lead through a moment of pure opportunism. Ferland Mendy flicked Dani Carvajal’s cross into the net with a deft touch, but Atleti refused to be subdued. Griezmann, their talisman, weaved his magic, cutting through the Madrid defense before slotting the ball past a sprawling Kepa Arrizabalaga to equalize once more.
Second Half Drama and Kepa’s Blunder
The second half was a more cagey affair, with Atletico sitting deep and inviting pressure. Their tactics almost paid off, as Morata forced a calamitous error from Kepa. The Real Madrid goalkeeper punched a cross into his own defender, Stefan Savic, who unfortunately deflected the ball into the net, giving Atletico a 3-2 lead.
Carvajal Rescues Real Madrid and Savic’s Unfortunate Own Goal
But as they have done so often in recent years, Real Madrid refused to surrender. Carvajal, the hero of the hour, pounced on a rebound in the Atletico box to level the score once again, sending the game into extra time with the tension thicker than the desert air.
Carvajal’s Cross Takes a Wicked Bounce and Diaz Seals the Win
The madness continued in the extra period. Carvajal, ever the protagonist, sent in a teasing cross that evaded everyone before taking a wicked bounce off Savic and into the corner of the net, handing Real Madrid an unlikely lead.
The drama wasn’t over yet. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, desperate for an equalizer, ventured up for a corner in the dying moments. Brahim Diaz, with an empty net at his mercy, sprinted the length of the pitch and slotted the ball home, sealing a 5-3 victory for Real Madrid and sending them into the final.
Carvajal: The Unlikely Hero, Griezmann Makes History, and a Bitter Defeat for Atletico
Dani Carvajal, the unlikely hero of the night, was involved in three of his team’s four goals. He scored one, assisted another, and provided the teasing ball for the third, showcasing his offensive prowess alongside his defensive duties. His resurgent form proved crucial in bailing out a shaky Kepa Arrizabalaga, who despite his blunder, made some important saves throughout the game.
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For Atletico, the disappointment of defeat was tempered by Griezmann’s record-breaking goal. His strike from the edge of the area, after beating two defenders, saw him surpass the legendary Luis Aragones as Atletico’s all-time leading scorer. However, the historic achievement was overshadowed by the bitter taste of defeat, especially considering they were just minutes away from the final before Carvajal’s equalizer.
A Never-Ending Madrid Saga
The Madrid derby, ever unpredictable, served up another spectacle for the ages. From own goals to record-breaking strikes, late drama, and a touch of madness, this Supercopa semi-final had it all. Real Madrid, despite their shaky moments, emerged victorious, booking their place in the final against either Barcelona or Osasuna. For Atletico, the focus shifts to the Copa del Rey, where they meet their city rivals once again next week, promising another fiery chapter in this never-ending football saga.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.