Real Madrid showcased their resilience and determination in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid, ultimately securing their place in the final. The match, played in Riyadh, reached a dramatic climax in extra time, with the Whites triumphing 5-3.
The action-packed encounter began with Atlético drawing first blood in the sixth minute when Mario Hermoso headed in from a corner. However, Real Madrid quickly responded in the 14th minute, as Rüdiger’s powerful header off Modrić’s cross leveled the score.
The tempo remained intense, and with 30 minutes on the clock, Madrid orchestrated a well-worked play leading to Mendy’s flick, putting them ahead 2-1. Atlético, refusing to back down, equalized once more in the 37th minute with a brilliant strike from Griezmann.
As the first half concluded, both teams had near misses, setting the stage for a nail-biting second half. Atlético gained a 3-2 lead in the 79th minute, capitalizing on a contested play involving Kepa, Morata, and Rüdiger. Real Madrid, showing grit, responded with a late surge, Carvajal’s strike leveling the score 3-3.
The tension continued into extra time, where Carvajal, named MVP of the semi-final, played a crucial role. In the first half of extra time, his controlled cross led to an own goal by Savic, giving Madrid a 4-3 advantage.
Brahim sealed the victory in stoppage time, securing a 5-3 triumph and booking Real Madrid’s place in the final against the winner of the Barcelona-Osasuna clash. A spectacular Madrid derby indeed, filled with goals, drama, and a standout performance by Dani Carvajal.
