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Atletico Madrid beats Real to lift Spanish Cup

Atletico Madrid gained some measure of revenge for their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid by beating their city rivals 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Friday (Aug 22) to win the Spanish Super Cup 2-1 on aggregate. 

The hosts made the best possible start as Mario Mandzukic volleyed home the winner from Antoine Griezmann’s pass after just 90 seconds. 

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had named Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench due to the effects of a hamstring injury that had seen him withdrawn from the first leg. 

Ancelotti also Fueled speculation over Angel di Maria’s future, by excluding the Argentine from his squad entirely. 

However, he claimed Di Maria’s absence had purely been for sporting reasons. “Di Maria was a technical decision. I didn’t need him today.” 

Atletico boss Diego Simeone was sent off midway through the first-half for protesting that right-back Juanfran hadn’t been allowed back onto the field quickly enough after receiving treatment for a facial injury. 


Diego Simeone (2ndR) argues with the 4th referee during the Spanish Supercopa second-leg football match. Photo: AFP

The Argentine could be in for a severe ban as he confronted the assistant referee and sarcastically applauded the decision.

However, he apologised and admitted he had overreacted at the time. 

“When you commit an error you have to ask for forgiveness and I accept it was an error,” he said.

The victory was Atletico’s first at home against Real in 15 years and continued Simeone’s amazing run of success since taking charge of the club just under three years ago. 

However, he again downplayed expectations that Atletico can repeat their amazing La Liga title triumph of last season. 

“When you play in a league that is so long against Real Madrid or Barcelona it is very difficult to compete, but in one or two games we have the capability to beat anybody.”

Source: AFP

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