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.
Reaction
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach: “The opening goal was a loose ball at the far post. Our plan was to try and get crosses into that specific area because our analysis told us that they were weaker on the back post generally. But in the end it was a bit of a coincidence, except for the fact that Casemiro was where he was because we’d asked him to prowl there.”
“I didn’t need this win to be able to tell you all that my team are still hungry and motivated. It was a match which was more complicated than it might have looked.”
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper:”We could have scored one or two more in the first half and also in the second half. The last few months we’ve had three finals and I’ve kept a clean sheet in each of them. It’s always important. We know with the strikers we have up front, we’ll always score a goal.”
Fede Valverde, Real Madrid midfielder: “We’re so happy! We started well tonight, produced a top performance in attack and defence which means we’ve now won another trophy.”
Oliver Glasner, Frankfurt coach: “We improved compared to our last game [against Bayern], but Real Madrid have two or three great chances against every opponent in the world and then we conceded the opening goal after a corner. We couldn’t convert our own chances – Real Madrid were the better team and deserved the win.”
Sebastian Rode, Frankfurt captain: “Tonight we got a taste of what awaits us in the Champions League this season. The best teams in Europe, who have high expectations based on the individual quality they boast. You have to defend to the peak of your powers. We were disciplined today and there were phases where we held our own, but against a team like this, you saw that they just need a moment to score goals.”
