Real Madrid won the 2014 European Super Cup this evening with a 2-0 win over Sevilla in Wales.
Cristiano Ronaldo proved the difference between the two sides, with the Portuguese scoring a goal in each half.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics
Real Madrid
Shots: 18
On target: 7
Possession: 54%
Corners: 12
Fouls: 17
Sevilla
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 46%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
In truth, there was not much between the two teams in general play this evening, with Sevilla matching Madrid for long spells. However, ultimately the game was won by the best player on the pitch. Madrid lined up with Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema in what was an incredibly attacking XI, and all four played their part on the night. Sevilla, however, went with just the one striker and struggled to create opportunities, with their best spell arriving in the final five minutes. It is difficult to argue that Los Blancos did not deserve to pick up the trophy on what was an entertaining clash in Wales.
Real Madrid's performance
The signings of James and Toni Kroos have further added to what was already a sensational squad. With Bale and Ronaldo returning to full fitness, the signs are worrying for Madrid's rivals. Los Blancos are still a couple of weeks away from full fitness, but all things considered, it was an impressive performance. Pre-season has been fairly disappointing in terms of results, but up until this point, they had been missing a number of key players. There still seem to be slight issues in defensive areas, with Pepe prone to the odd mistake, but it was a welcome night for Iker Casillas, who looked extremely assured between the sticks. Overall, it was an overwhelmingly positive night for head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has been tipped to lead Madrid to a record-breaking campaign.
Sevilla's performance
Like Madrid, Sevilla had some new signings on display this evening, with Grzegorz Krychowiak, Denis Suarez and Aleix Vidal all included in their XI to start the match. Suarez in particular impressed, while new skipper Federico Fazio was a towering presence at the heart of the back four. The Estadio Ramon outfit lost the match 2-0, but it is difficult to be too critical of their performance. They are not the only team that will struggle to contain Madrid's attacking talent this season and they did create chances of their own, especially towards the end of the first period. At 1-0, Sevilla had to score the next goal, but when Ronaldo completed his brace, the contest was effectively over. The signs are positive for the new campaign, however, with Unai Emery's team solid in defence and a threat on the counter.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cristiano Ronaldo: New season, but same old Ronaldo. Some things just never change. The Portuguese proved the difference once more as he scored in each half in Cardiff. His first was a fine finish at the far post from a Bale cross, while his second was a powerful strike into the top corner. Ronaldo's knees are still said to be troubling him, but he looked in full flow this evening. Could the attacker break more records this season?
Biggest gaffe
Daniel Carrico had Sevilla's standout chance in the first period following a poor header from James, but the former Reading midfielder struck his effort straight at Casillas from close range. Granted, it was a smart stop from the Spanish goalkeeper, but Carrico should have sent his drive into the opposite corner. An equaliser at that stage would have put an entirely different spin on the contest.
Referee performance
Overall, it was a comfortable evening for referee Mark Clattenburg. The Englishman issued four yellow cards - two for Madrid and two for Sevilla - but there were not too many controversial moments. The fact that the contest was so free-flowing means that the official must be praised for his contribution. Neither manager will have had any complaints about Clattenburg's involvement or indeed lack of it on the night.
What next?
Real Madrid: Madrid face Fiorentina in another friendly at the weekend, before the small matter of a two-legged Super Cup affair with La Liga winners Atletico Madrid on August 19 and August 22. The capital outfit's La Liga season starts at home to newly-promoted Cordoba on August 25.
Sevilla: Emery's side welcome Italian outfit Sampdoria to the Estadio Ramon on Friday in their final pre-season match, before opening their La Liga campaign at home to Valencia on August 23.
Matt Law
