Real Madrid put up a masterful performance to win the UEFA Super Cup for a record-equaling fifth time, and Carlo Ancelotti made history by winning his fourth trophy as a manager. Karim Benzema also established himself as the second-highest goalscorer in Real Madrid history.
Major events
17′ Vincius Jnior attempt was blocked by Tuta,
37′ Alaba scored from a corner,
61′ Casemiro’s attempt hit the woodwork, and
65′ Benzema doubled Real Madrid’s advantage.
In a nutshell, Madrid makes it five.
Despite a sluggish start in Helsinki, where a well-organized Frankfurt team set out to make life difficult for Serious Madrid, the first half immediately heated up as the German team broke out from their compact 5-4-1 to create the game’s first real chance.
Jesper Lindstrm’s strike against the flow of play was ultimately signaled offside, and it compelled Thibaut Courtois to make a stop. Shortly after, Daichi Kamada found a way through the white shirts as Eintracht started to cause Carlo Ancelotti’s side some problems on the left, forcing the Belgian goalkeeper into another save.
However, Madrid continued to control the ball in hand. Vinicius Junior quickly reached the by-line however, despite slipping past his defender with a deft Cruyff turn
In the 17th minute, when Benzema diverted Federico Valverde’s cross into the Brazilian striker’s stride, he posed a threat once more, but Tuta rushed himself along the goal line to avert an opening.
To tip Vincius Junior’s subsequent attempt out for a corner, Kevin Trapp sprawled low. When Casemiro eventually delivered, it dropped for David Alaba to score from close range.
Early in the second half, Casemiro’s darting long shot crashed off the woodwork as Madrid continued to control the tempo. Vincius Jnior then gave Trapp another test.
And in the 65th minute, Benzema doubled the lead as Los Blancos passed Frankfurt far too easily before their No. 9 slid the ball past Trapp.
Frankfurt pushed to get back into the match as the game started. Madrid’s overwhelming performance ensured their fourth victory in the league in nine seasons, despite Oliver Glasner’s players giving it their all in a thrilling end-to-end match.
Casemiro won match-day MVP honors (Real Madrid)
“When his team attacked, he kept the game in balance. In critical areas when he was assisting the center defenders, he won every tackle. He also provided the initial goal.”