The first leg of the Spanish Super Cup between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid took place at the Bernabeu this evening.
Both sides had half-chances in an end-to-end first period, but neither could make the breakthrough.
An equally tight second half brought two goals late on, with Atletico's Raul Garcia cancelling out a James Rodriguez strike to leave the match delicately poised ahead of the second leg.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all and welcome to the Bernabeu. The La Liga season has not even started yet, but we have a real treat for you tonight as Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. This trophy holds little importance in relation to the likes of La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, but it is a chance to put one over your rivals at an early stage.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Xabi Alonso returns to the Real Madrid XI this evening, with James Rodriguez dropping to the bench. As expected, Iker Casillas starts in goal, while Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema start in attack. Atletico, meanwhile, have new signings Miguel Moya, Guilherme Siqueira and Mario Mandzukic in their XI. Saul Niguez is also given the nod by Diego Simeone.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Alonso, Modric; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Suarez, Gabi; Koke, Saul, Garcia; Mandzukic
No real surprises in either XI this evening, with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti reverting to a midfield three of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Alonso. Angel di Maria is on the bench, meanwhile, as speculation surrounding his future continues to grow. Atletico have new signing Mandzukic leading their line, while Gabi will skipper the team from midfield. Two strong teams selected by both managers tonight.
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.
It is a new season, however, which brings new challenges. Atletico were also involved in last season's Spanish Super Cup after winning the Copa del Rey. They drew 1-1 with Barcelona at the Calderon, before picking up a goalless draw at the Camp Nou. It was not enough to claim the trophy, however, with the Catalan outfit winning on away goals. Just a reminder that kickoff is at 10pm UK time this evening.
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. It has not been a productive pre-season for Los Blancos, however, with four defeats. They lost to Inter Milan on penalties on July 26, before going down 1-0 against Roma.
Manchester United were next up for Ancelotti's side and the Premier League outfit emerged 3-1 winners. Los Blancos have also played once since winning the Super Cup last week – a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina at the weekend. It has been largely experimental for Ancelotti, however, with a number of players only just returning from international duty and/or injuries.
There remain question marks over the futures of the likes of Angel di Maria and Sami Khedira, but Toni Kroos, Keylor Navas and James Rodriguez have all moved to the Bernabeu this summer. Gareth 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. What can be said about that record? Just sensational.
It promises to be another fascinating season in Spain, with the top three all strengthening their squads in the off-season. Madrid finished third in La Liga last season, but are seen by many as the favourites this time around. These two matches against Atletico will give a slight indication of how both teams are shaping up ahead of the big kickoff, with both Real and Atletico in La Liga action on Monday.
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. Real Madrid and Atletico will face each other three times in the next month.
Speaking of Atletico, it has been a busy summer in terms of transfers. Key players in the shape of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois have all exited for Chelsea, while the experience of David Villa has been lost in attack. They have managed to keep the bulk of their title-winning squad from last season, however, which should stand them in good stead for the new campaign.
In addition to last season's stars, Atletico have added some serious talent in this summer's window, with Antoine Griezmann - who is on the bench this evening - Mario Mandzukic, Raul Jimenez, Guilherme Siqueira and Jesus Gamez among those that have joined. They have lost quality, but it has been a successful window and they will again challenge both home and abroad in the new campaign.
Pre-season has been successful for Atletico, meanwhile. They opened with a 1-0 win over Numancia on July 23, before beating San Jose Earthquakes on penalties five days later. They then drew back-to-back matches against Club America and Galatasaray, before beating Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg 5-1 on August 10.
Victories have also arrived in their last two matches, beating Cadiz 1-0 on Friday, before another XI beat Sampdoria on Saturday. Defensively, they have been sensational and the goals have started to flow following a slow start. Atletico are not going anywhere this season that is for certain.
In terms of looking forward, Atletico open their La Liga campaign away to Rayo Vallecano this weekend, before welcoming Eibar on August 30. As mentioned, after the international break comes the La Liga clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Right, little over 10 minutes until kickoff this evening.
PREDICTION: Real Madrid, at home, would have to be placed as favourites for this match. However, Atletico are one of the best teams in European football at getting results at difficult grounds. I am finding it hard to separate the pair this evening and will therefore tip a 1-1 draw in Madrid.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get this contest underway.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get this contest underway.
What a serious treat we have on our hands this evening. It doesn't get much bigger than Real versus Atletico these days. Both sides are currently paying tribute to the late Alfredo di Stefano.
Right, time for some football in the Spanish capital. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening as the away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
As expected, Real Madrid have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Modric and Alonso enjoying touches in the middle of the park. It will be similar to what we are used to seeing - the home side in control of the ball, with Atletico soaking up the pressure and hoping to counter.
Slightly untidy from both sides in the middle of the park, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of the campaign. Neither team has been able to threaten in the final third thus far, but Atletico have just started to see more of the ball following constant Madrid possession in the opening two minutes.
BOOKING! The first booking of the match occurs inside five minutes as Koke dives into a late challenge with Pepe, which of course leaves the centre-back in a heap. That didn't take long!
The fact that there is not a spare seat inside the stadium this evening is an indication of the importance of this match. It isn't a priority trophy for either team, but it is Real against Atletico. Still not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure, with Atletico, as expected, compact in defensive areas.
The tackles continue to arrive as Gabi flies into a late one with Kroos, but the referee takes no further action. The home side continue to dominate the ball, but Atletico clear each time Los Blancos break towards the edge of the box. It would not be a surprise at all if this first leg ended goalless.
First half-chance for the home side as Bale combines with Ronaldo before poking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. It hasn't quite happened for Atletico in the final third thus far, however, with Mandzukic struggling for service in the opening 12 minutes.
BOOKING! Siqueira also goes in the book for Atletico for chopping Bale to the ground in a wide area. It was a really poor challenge from the Brazilian and deserving of a booking.
As expected, there have been a few spicy challenges! Ronaldo goes down inside the Atletico box moments later under pressure from Juanfran, but the referee waves play on. Meanwhile, Bale has returned to the field.
SAVE! Atletico's first effort of the match comes from Mandzukic, who strikes a bouncing ball outside the box, but Casillas is on hand to make the save. Better from the Croatian forward.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Atletico as Saul latches onto a mistake from Ramos before driving into the Madrid box, but his effort is straight at Castillas. Wow, what an opportunity!
Good pressure from Madrid in the last couple of moments as the home side force two corners in quick succession, but Godin and Miranda take it in turns to clear the danger. The opening 19 minutes have been as expected - Madrid in control of the ball, but Atletico so incredibly compact and well-drilled defensively.
Bale bursts into life down the right for Madrid as he drives past two defenders before delivering into Ronaldo, but Miranda is on hand to make the clearance. Benzema picks up the pieces outside the box, but eventually gives away a free kick. That has certainly raised the noise levels inside the stadium.
Saul tries his luck for Atletico after finding some space outside the box, but his low effort was always moving wide of the post, much to the frustration of Mandzukic, who had taken up a position at the far post.
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening, with the second leg of this contest to take place at the Vicente Calderon on Friday. You just get the feeling that this one is going to go all the way. Still goalless with 25 minutes on the clock at the Bernabeu.
The match has gone slightly stale in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges and both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third.
Ramos almost puts Pepe in trouble with a poor pass across the pitch, but Mandzukic cannot find Garcia and the potential counter breaks down. The home side threaten down the right moments later, but Carvajal cannot find a teammate with a deep cross. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in the capital.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Bale pokes the ball wide to Carvajal, who delivers a low cross into the Atletico box, but Moya is on hand to collect at the far post. It has been a steady debut for the new Atletico stopper thus far. Just a reminder that fellow summer signing Jan Oblak is on the bench tonight.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as Ramos heads a Siqueira cross out for a corner, which Madrid break from through Bale, but Juanfran is across to clear at the vital moment. Mandzukic has space inside the Madrid box moments later, but clips his effort straight into the arms of Casillas.
Real Madrid have had more of the ball this evening, but the two clearest chances have fallen to Atletico, with Saul and Mandzukic both testing Casillas. Madrid continue to force the issue with another attack down the right, but Miranda is across to challenge Modric, who gains another corner.
BOOKING! Alonso becomes the first Madrid player in the book for a late challenge on Koke. It has been that type of match at times and the referee has been quick on the scene on each occasion.
Brilliant goalkeeping from Moya as the Atletico stopper comes out to clear a through pass from Kroos, which had threatened to get Ronaldo away. The tempo has just gone up a notch in the last couple of minutes.
CHANCE! First real sign of Ronaldo this evening as the Portuguese rises above Godin before meeting a cross from Bale, but his header just drops wide of the post.
Half-chance for Saul, who has been heavily involved in this half, as the Atletico midfielder attempts to plant a header into the top corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Real Madrid have had more of the ball, but the best chances have fallen to Atletico, with Mandzukic and Saul both coming close. No real surprise that the pair are on terms at this stage of proceedings.
STATS! As mentioned, the home side have had more of the ball with 74% possession, but they have had just three attempts on goal, none of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target on three of their five attempts. It has been a spicy half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with the referee issuing three bookings - one for Madrid (Alonso) and two for Atletico (Koke, Siqueira).
BENCH WATCH! Needless to say, both managers have serious options on their benches this evening. In reserve for Madrid are the likes of Isco, Di Maria and James Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Atletico have options in the shape of new signings Griezmann and Jimenez, while Rodriguez is also in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Who is going to blink first? A goalless draw would not be the worst result for either side. The home side get the half underway.
SUB! There has been a change for Madrid at the interval, with James Rodriguez entering in place of Ronaldo. It must be an injury concern for the Portuguese.
Ronaldo pulled up in the latter stages of the first period holding his back and that could well be the reason for his no-show in the second half. Atletico have made no changes to their XI. Right, early possession for the home side with Modric and Alonso enjoying an interaction in the middle of the park.
CHANCE! Bale comes close for Madrid after bursting into the Atletico box, but his effort is straight at Moya. It was a difficult angle and a save that Moya would have been expected to make.
Half-chance for Atletico this time as a period of pressure ends with Mandzukic meeting a bouncing ball inside the Madrid box, but Casillas is out to claim at the vital moment. There is more purpose about the away side in the early moments of the second half, with Saul and Garcia playing closer to Mandzukic.
Griezmann is currently warming-up for Atletico and it would not be a surprise to see the Frenchman in the next 15 minutes or so. Madrid have once more taken control of the ball in the last few minutes, but are finding it increasingly difficult to break through this stern Atletico defence.
Carvajal tries his luck for the home side after meeting a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and we are still goalless.
SUB! Atletico do indeed make a change with Griezmann replacing Saul.
BOOKING! No real surprise that Suarez goes in the book for Atletico following a really poor challenge on Kroos, who had broken deep into the Atletico half.
It was never going to be a friendly match, but the referee has been called into action on a number of occasions this evening to deal with a host of late challenges. Still goalless at the Bernabeu.
Ramos throws his arm into the face of Mandzukic following a collision between the two. It was more of a slap than anything, but it was poor from the Spaniard. The referee is once more on the scene.
BOOKINGS! Ramos and Mandzukic are both booked for their involvement.
Siqueira, who has already been booked this evening, dives into another late challenge with Bale, who takes a few tumbles. The referee just needs to calm things down here. It is close to boiling point in Madrid.
SUB! No real surprise that Siqueira is subbed here, with the Atletico left-back replaced by Ansaldi, who joined the club on loan from Zenit this summer.
Again Mandzukic and Ramos clash outside the Madrid box, with the latter penalised for climbing over the Croatian forward. The resulting free kick is taken short to Juanfran, but his cross is blocked by Marcelo. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and the chances have dried up at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have a free kick in a dangerous position as Gabi challenges James from behind. It was clumsy more than anything, but a foul nonetheless. Bale will seemingly take with Ronaldo on the sidelines...
BOOKING! Raul Garcia is booked for Atletico for charging down the Ramos free kick too early. Safe to say that the Atletico players are not best pleased with that decision! Ramos will try again...
CHANCE! Bale strikes the free kick straight at Moya, who palms it back into his own box, Kroos is on the scene, but fires high of the crossbar. What a chance!
The home side have just started to turn the screw in the last few minutes, with Carvajal and Marcelo forcing the issue in wide positions. Atletico, however, remain unmoved defensively. Eventually James strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always curling wide of the post.
Kroos fires over from close range...
Kroos once more takes matters into his own hands outside the Atletico box, but his effort is straight at Godin, who has been behind everything this evening. Still goalless with 76 minutes on the clock in Madrid.
SUBS! Both managers make changes, with Raul Jimenez replacing Mandzukic for Atletico and Angel di Maria entering for the home side in place of Modric.
You just get the feeling that both sides are going to create at least one chance in the final 10 minutes of this match. Wouldn't it be some story if Di Maria - who is expected to leave Madrid this summer - popped up with the major contribution. Di Maria, as expected, is involved immediately down the left.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico (James)
Madrid take the lead with 81 minutes on the clock as James rolls home from inside the box following a scramble between both sets of players. It took a big deflection, but it will go down as James's goal.
Atletico look to respond immediately as Koke strikes one from outside the box, but Casillas is on hand to make the save. Miranda meets the resulting corner from Gabi, but there are no takers from his flick.
Los Blancos really have their tails up at the moment as Marcelo drills a low cross towards the near post, but Miranda is on hand to make the clearance. A second goal would really put a different complexion on the tie. As it stands, Atletico will still feel confident of turning it around on their own patch.
Another half-chance for the home side as Pep meets a cross from Marcelo, but the centre-back just heads over the crossbar. Atletico just cannot get out of their own half at the moment.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Raul Garcia)
Wouldn't you just know it? Who was writing Atletico off? The league champions level as Garcia bundles home from close range following a corner from the left. Poor, poor defending from the home side.
The home side want handball as Carvajal strikes a powerful effort from inside the box, but Suarez makes the block. Replays have shown that it was indeed handball, quite clearly as well.
Big controversy here. Madrid should have had a penalty with Suarez handling that effort from Carvajal.
We are into the third minute of stoppage time at the Bernabeu and Madrid are forcing the issue. Is there time for another goal here? It would place a different complexion on the tie.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the contest to a close with the score level at 1-1. What an end! Just a reminder that the second leg will take place at the Calderon on Friday, be sure to join Sports Mole for that one. That's just about it from me this evening. Until next time!
