The second leg of the Spanish Super Cup between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid took place at the Vicente Calderon tonight.
The first leg, which was played at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Atletico led 1-0 at the interval this evening following an early strike from the Croatian Mario Mandzukic.
Both sides had chances in an end-to-end second period, but Real Madrid - who saw Luka Modric dismissed late on - could not find a leveller as the home side claimed the trophy.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all and welcome to the Vicente Calderon, which tonight is the setting for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup. The tie between the two capital rivals is delicately balanced following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Bernabeu on Tuesday. It was an incredibly feisty affair – let's hope for more of the same! Right, the team news is expected shortly.
Tuesday's first leg at the Bernabeu was never going to be friendly, but the intensity of the match was quite incredible. Six yellow cards were awarded and it was not short of major talking points, with Sergio Ramos perhaps lucky to remain on the field for seemingly striking the face of Atletico's Mario Mandzukic. The home side, meanwhile, felt that they should have had a penalty late on when Mario Suarez seemed to, well did, handle inside the penalty area. Will it be more of the same this evening?
It was James Rodriguez that made the telling impact for Real Madrid, with the Colombian, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo at the interval, scoring from close range after 81 minutes. It looked to be enough to secure Los Blancos a first-leg lead, but such is Atletico's staying power, the league champions responded with a late effort from Raul Garcia, which left the two sides on terms.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Angel di Maria has been left out of the Real Madrid squad this evening amid talk of a move to Manchester United. There is also no place for Sami Khedira. Cristiano Ronaldo is only fit enough for the bench, meaning that James Rodriguez comes into the XI along with Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao. The Atletico team news is expected in the next moment or two.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Tiago, Gabi; Koke, Garcia, Griezmann, Mandzukic
REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Kroos, Alonso, Modric; James, Benzema, Bale
So there we have it. Antoine Griezmann comes into the Atletico XI this evening, while there is also a start for experienced midfielder Tiago. The rest of the team is unchanged from the first leg, with Mario Mandzukic leading the line. As mentioned, James comes into the Real Madrid attack alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Two attacking teams on display this evening that is for certain. I cannot wait!
Following the first leg, it is advantage Atletico, with a goalless draw enough for them to claim he trophy. However, you can see both teams scoring once again and it would not be a surprise to see this one go all the way. Just a reminder that away goals count in the Spanish Super Cup and therefore the only result after 90 minutes that would bring extra-time and possibly penalties is the 1-1 draw.
Atletico qualified for this season's Spanish Super Cup by winning their first La Liga title since 1996 last term. The capital outfit held off late pressure from Barcelona, holding the Catalan side to a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou on the final weekend to secure the title. The Super Cup is not high on their list of priorities, but it is a chance to strike an early blow on their rivals.
Of course, Atletico were also involved in last season's Spanish Super Cup after winning the Copa del Rey towards the end of the 2013 campaign. They drew 1-1 with Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg, before picking up a goalless draw at the Camp Nou. However, it was not enough to claim the trophy, with Barca winning on away goals. Just a reminder that kickoff is at 9.30pm UK time this evening.
The two Madrid giants met five times across three competitions last season, with Atletico taking four points from the two league matches. Los Blancos were victorious in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, however, beating Atletico 5-0 over the two legs, before overcoming Barcelona in the final of the competition.
There was also the small matter of the Champions League final. Atletico were less than two minutes away from winning the trophy having led through a Diego Godin header deep into injury time, but Sergio Ramos equalised for Madrid in stoppage time, with Carlo Ancelotti's side eventually going on to claim their 10th European Cup with a 4-1 victory. It was some match in Portugal between two worthy finalists.
As mentioned, Atletico took four points from the two league games between the pair last season, first beating Madrid at the Bernabeu, before the two sides played out a 2-2 draw at the Calderon in March. If that result occurs this evening then Atletico would indeed claim the trophy on away goals.
Real Madrid already have a trophy to their name this season having won the European Super Cup with a 2-0 success over Sevilla in Wales last week. Los Blancos won the Champions League and Copa del Rey last season, but missed out to Atletico in the league. There is no question that Los Blancos have a squad capable of picking up every major trophy on offer this season.
Looking ahead for a moment, Real Madrid open their La Liga challenge with a clash against Cordoba on Monday evening. They then travel to Real Sociedad at the end of the month, before facing Atletico in the league after the international break. Atletico, meanwhile, open their La Liga campaign away to Rayo Vallecano this weekend, before welcoming newly-promoted Eibar on August 30.
It is worth noting that Real Madrid's overall record at the Vicente Calderon, in the league particularly, is quite remarkable. They have won on six of their last seven La Liga visits to their rivals and each of their last three cup matches at Atletico. The pair, as mentioned, met in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey last season and Real were 2-0 winners in this stadium.
There remain question marks over the futures of Di Maria and Khedira at Madrid, but Kroos, Keylor Navas and James all moved to the Bernabeu this summer. Bale is also another season more experienced, while they have a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored just the 254 goals in 247 games for the club.
Atletico, meanwhile, have added some serious talent in this summer's window, with Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic, Raul Jimenez, Guilherme Siqueira and Jesus Gamez among those that have joined. They have lost quality in the shape of Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis, but Diego Simeone has had a very astute transfer window. Right, just about time for my pre-match prediction.
PREDICTION: I correctly predicted a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week so let's try and make it two from two here. I can quite easily see another 1-1 after 90 minutes, which would of course mean extra-time and possibly beyond. That is indeed the score I am backing for a second successive match.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been completed and the club flags have been exchanged. It is once again Atletico against Real, with the Spanish Super Cup up for grabs at the Vicente Calderon.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium, which is not a surprise. Who will claim the 2014 Spanish Super Cup? The home side get the first 45 minutes underway in the capital.
Good grief - almost the perfect start for Atletico as Mandzukic drives into the Madrid box, but Ramos just does enough to clear at the vital moment. Atletico force a corner, but Varane is on hand to clear.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Real (Mandzukic)
WOW! Atletico lead inside two minutes as Griezmann wins a header on the edge of the Madrid box, it runs through for Mandzukic and the Croatian fires his effort into the bottom corner. What a start.
What a start to this match. The away side have not had a moment to settle thus far, with Atletico all over their opponents in the middle of the park. Let's hope this continues. Another goal for Atletico and Real Madrid would need three to win it. The referee is going to be busy this evening I suspect!
The match has just settled in the last couple of minutes, with Los Blancos enjoying a period with the ball. The intensity from Atletico has been quite incredible, however, with Mandzukic and Griezmann closing the space in the final third. Koke goes down inside the Madrid box, but the referee is not interested.
Real Madrid have not lost at the Calderon in 15 years, but they are behind tonight. The referee continues to be called into action as Griezmann dives into a challenge with Carvajal, but no card is produced.
It's good work from Coentrao down the left as the Madrid defender beats Juanfran before delivering into James, but Miranda is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Atletico break down the other end with Siqueira, who forces a throw, but eventually Mandzukic is flagged offside. These opening 10 minutes have flown past.
Not too much to report in terms of chances since Atletico took the lead with two minutes on the clock, but Real Madrid have certainly started to see more of the ball. A timeout is taken by the referee, meanwhile, to deal with a technical issue - his microphone was playing up. Poor man!
Just a reminder that a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes is the only score that would take this second leg into extra-time due to the presence of the away-goals rule. Real Madrid continue to enjoy possession outside the Atletico box, but they are finding it increasingly difficult to break through this incredible rear-guard.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Mandzukic finds Griezmann with a header, but the Frenchman's effort is deflected wide of the post by Ramos. The resulting corner is delivered towards Mandzukic, but Varane clears. Real Madrid attempt to break moments later, but Tiago comes across to foul Kroos.
A little bit of afters occurs between Carvajal and Koke following a heavy challenge down the right. Los Blancos are awarded a free kick, which James delivers towards Ramos, but Miranda manages to clear for a corner. Moments later, the referee shows a yellow, which has not yet been confirmed.
BOOKING! It is Tiago that has gone into the book for Atletico. Dissent possibly? Moments later Modric meets a bouncing ball on the edge of the Atletico box, but his effort is wide.
Mandzukic versus Ramos take two! These two had plenty of clashes last week and again it is occurring here. A challenge between the pair brings a furious reaction from both sets of players and indeed staff.
Ramos eventually returns to his feet and Atletico have a free kick in a dangerous position outside the Madrid box. I suspect that is not the last we will see of Ramos against Mandzukic...
... Miranda meets the resulting free kick at the far post, but his effort is high of the crossbar.
It has all become very untidy in the last few minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of altercations. There has been just the one booking, however, with Tiago carded for Atletico.
Juanfran takes one in the face from Coentrao, but the right-back seems able to continue. The football has taken a back seat in the last 10 minutes or so, with little chances for either side. Atletico continue to become involved in altercations, but they are in control of matters on the field.
CHANCE! Real Madrid's best chance of the match falls to James as the Colombian drives into the box before attempting to roll one under Moya, but the Atletico stopper makes a brilliant save.
SENT OFF! Atletico boss Diego Simeone has been sent to the stands after becoming frustrated on the sidelines. That is poor from the Argentine - his team are winning!
Simeone appeared to sarcastically pat the assistant referee on the back of the head. That is really poor from Simeone, just no need in a match of this magnitude. What has happened to matters on the field? This one has been taken over by proceedings on the sidelines and altercations between both sets of players.
The referee was not best pleased with Simeone's decision to clap the officials...
Mandzukic continues to cause Varane problems in the final third, with the Atletico striker winning a throw in a dangerous area, which brings a sustained period of Atletico pressure. Juanfran delivers into the box, but Ramos is on hand to head clear. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.
Real Madrid have another free kick in a dangerous area as Godin brings Bale to the ground. The resulting set piece is delivered by James, but Garcia is on hand to head clear. Los Blancos do force a corner from Mandzukic moments later, but once again Mandzukic heads clear. Brilliant from the centre-forward.
CHANCE! James again comes close for Real Madrid after meeting a cross from Carvajal, but the Colombian's header moves just wide of the post. James has looked the most likely for Los Blancos.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Real Madrid as James feeds Bale on the edge of the Atletico box, but the Welshman just drags his effort wide of the post. Should have scored!
Half-chance for Atletico as Mandzukic meets a cross from Koke, but his header was always moving high of the crossbar. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and still Atletico lead 1-0 on the night and 2-1 overall. However, I suspect that we have not seen the last of the goals tonight!
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Atletico have started to commit numbers in the final third, which has forced Real Madrid into a deeper position.
Garcia tries the spectacular for Atletico after letting fly from some 40 yards, but Casillas races across his goal to make the save. The resulting corner is delivered towards the near post, but Garcia heads wide.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Garcia as the Atletico midfielder meets a corner from the left, but somehow heads over the crossbar. What an opportunity to move 2-0 ahead.
CHANCE! Real Madrid are straight down the other end with James, who turns on the edge of the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 1-0 Real
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 1-0 courtesy of an early strike from Mandzukic. Real Madrid have had their moments and should be level, but Bale and James have both been guilty of missed opportunities. As expected, it has been a feisty affair!
STATS! Real Madrid have just about shaded the possession tonight with 54%, while they have had seven attempts, just two of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with three of their eight attempts. There has also been just the one booking despite the intensity and feistiness of the contest, with Tiago carded for the home side.
BENCH WATCH! Both teams have a host of attacking options on the sidelines this evening, with Atletico boasting the likes of Raul Jimenez, Saul Niguez and Cristian Rodriguez on their bench. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco and Marcelo.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second half. As it stands, Atletico will win the 2014 Spanish Super Cup with a 2-1 aggregate win. Right, Real get the second period underway.
SUB! Real Madrid have made one change at the break with Ronaldo replacing Kroos.
Not too much of a surprise that Ronaldo is on for the second period. Ancelotti probably would not have wanted to risk his star man this evening, but needs must. The next goal - if there indeed is one - will be absolutely vital. If Atletico score another then Real Madrid would need to score three times.
BOOKING! Modric is booked for Real Madrid for bringing Siqueira to the ground.
CROSSBAR! WOW! Atletico come within a whisker of scoring their second as Garcia meets a free kick from Koke, but the Spaniard's effort hits the crossbar before bouncing onto the line. Casillas must be praised for clawing the ball clear at the final moment, with Mandzukic in close proximity.
BOOKING! Atletico's Koke goes into the book for pulling Modric to the ground.
Atletico are certainly offering more of an attacking threat in the second period, but Real Madrid continue to control the tempo in the middle of the park. Another foul from Griezmann allows Los Blancos to deliver into the Atletico box, but Tiago heads over his own crossbar.
BOOKING! Alonso picks up his standard booking for a late challenge on Garcia.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to score a second as Juanfran drives down the right before delivering towards Koke, but Carvajal is across at the vital moment to make a stunning challenge.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment with the match flowing from end-to-end. The referee continues to be called into action as Carvajal clashes with Koke down the right. You just get the feeling that someone is going to see red in the next few minutes. It is boiling up to that point unfortunately.
CHANCE! Garcia again comes close for Atletico after striking one from outside the box, but it just curls wide of the post at the vital moment. Garcia has been different class this evening.
Ramos is forced to turn behind his own crossbar following another low cross from Juanfran, who is running riot down the right. The resulting corner is delivered towards Tiago, but Casillas punches clear under pressure. Just a reminder that another goal for Atletico would leave Real Madrid needing to score three.
Couple of half-chances for Real Madrid in quick succession. First, Godin is forced to turn behind his own crossbar following a dangerous cross from Ronaldo, before Varane heads over from the resulting corner. Atletico are down the other end with Garcia, but Ramos comes across to clear at the vital moment.
Atletico threaten once again as Juanfran delivers towards the head of Mandzukic, but Ramos is strong in the air. Moments before Bale had gone down inside the Atletico box, but the referee was not interested. I would be astounded if the scoring had finished this evening with both sides pushing forward.
SUB! Real Madrid make their second change as Isco replaces James.
Beautiful football from Atletico in the last couple of minutes, with Real Madrid forced to chase shadows as Tiago and Koke keep the ball in the final third. Tiago in particular has been delightful tonight.
BOOKING! Griezmann goes into the book for Atletico for a poor challenge on Benzema. Real Madrid have a free kick in a very dangerous position outside the box...
... Ronaldo strikes the free kick straight into the wall and Atletico clear their lines.
SUB! Third and final change for Real Madrid as Marcelo replaces Coentrao.
CHANCE! Koke almost makes it 2-0 Atletico as the Spaniard strikes one from outside the box, but it just swerves high of the crossbar. Again there was a wonderful pass from Tiago in the build-up.
CHANCE! Atletico again come close as Garcia feeds Griezmann inside the Real Madrid box, but the Frenchman fires wide of the post. This game could have been as good as over!
SUB! Atletico make their first change as summer signing Raul Jimenez replaces Griezmann.
BOOKING! Garcia is in the book for Atletico for a late tackle on Modric.
This is no place for the faint-hearted at the moment as Garcia dives into a late challenge with Alonso, but the referee allows the play to continue. Moments before, Carvajal had pushed Mandzukic to the ground, but once more the official was not interested. Good grief the intensity of this match is just incredible.
BOOKING! Isco is booked for Real Madrid for a kick on Jimenez.
Right, little over 10 minutes of the second leg remaining and Atletico lead 1-0 on the night and 2-1 overall. Atletico have a free kick in a dangerous position as Ramos fells Mandzukic, but the resulting set piece is headed clear by Ramos, who has been brilliant aerially this evening it must be said.
More frustration for Real Madrid as Ronaldo loses out in a challenge with Miranda, which brings huge cheers from the home supporters. Atletico still have two changes remaining, but Real Madrid have made all theirs.
You just get the feeling that there will be at least one more big chance for Real Madrid in the final stages of this match. That said, Atletico continue to threaten on the counter attack. Bale finds some space in the final third, but his effort is wide of the post. It remains 1-0 to Atletico on the night.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Rodriguez replaces Mandzukic.
Miranda wins another aerial battle with Ronaldo before Atletico launch a counter attack, but Koke cannot find Rodriguez and Varane is on hand to clear the danger. Little over three minutes of normal time to play.
Rodriguez has the chance to run at Varane just outside the Real Madrid box, but the attacker cannot move past the challenge of the Frenchman. Real Madrid force it long moments later, but Atletico continue to clear.
BOOKING! Ramos is booked for bringing Garcia to the ground.
SUB! Third and final Atletico change as Saul replaces Garcia.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football. Tiago tries his luck for Atletico, but fires his effort high of the crossbar.
RED CARD! Modric is dismissed for Real Madrid after bringing Rodriguez to the ground in the middle of the park. It was a second bookable offence for the Croatian midfielder.
Perhaps one last chance for Real Madrid as the away side continue to float high balls into the box. Ramos comes close to meeting a cross from Carvajal, but cannot make enough contact on the ball.
Casillas comes forward for the corner...
... however, a free kick is awarded and that should be just about that.
BOOKING! Ronaldo goes into the book for a push on Godin.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Atletico win the 2014 Spanish Super Cup with a 1-0 win (2-1 on aggregate) over Real Madrid. Mandzukic proved the difference between the two sides, with his early strike enough to hand Atletico the trophy. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
