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James Rodriguez's goal only gets Real Madrid a draw

A Raul Garcia equaliser two minutes from time denied James Rodriguez a dream home debut for Real Madrid as Atletico Madrid salvaged a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday morning (Aug 20).

Rodriguez had surprisingly started on the bench, but replaced Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time when the World Player of the Year was substituted due to the reported recurrence of a knee injury.

Colombian World Cup star Rodriguez opened the scoring with his first goal for Real 10 minutes from time.

 Atletico then responded with the kind of spirit that willed them to the La Liga title last season and Koke’s fierce shot had to be turned away by Spanish captain Iker Casillas​.

They got their precious away goal to take into the return leg at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday (Aug 23) when Garcia flicked home a late corner from close range.


 Atletico Madrid's midfielder Raul Garcia flicking the ball into the goal. Photo: AFP

There was nothing Casillas could do as the unmarked Garcia flicked home Koke’s corner.

Real will now have to score at least once when they visit the Calderon later in the week if they are to continue their quest for six trophies this season, having already collected the Uefa​ Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Sevilla last week.

Source: AFP, Vine

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