A pulsating evening of action in Riyadh on Wednesday saw Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid share eight goals, in the semi-finals of the Supercopa de España.
It was the former, though, who once more proved their superiority when it mattered most.
After the capital rivals shared six goals across 90 minutes, a late Stefan Savic own goal was added to by Brahim Díaz with a full 122 minutes on the clock, to ensure Real’s spot in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup showpiece.
Turning attentions towards some of the game’s more noteworthy talking points, result-clinching goal aside, midfielder Díaz proved himself a real difference-maker once more.
In the past so often accused of failing to fulfill his potential, the Spanish midfielder looks a player reborn of late, with his ability to slice open opposing backlines, particularly when introduced off the bench, making Díaz an increasingly important player in the setup of boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The 24-year-old, though, was far from Real’s only standout performer in the derby.
Los Merengues were the beneficiaries of attacking contributions from no less than three members of the club’s backline, namely Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal.
It was the latter who stood as arguably the game’s best player, with Carvajal having put forth a vintage display on both sides of the ball.
After dragging Real back into proceedings with a crucial equaliser late in the 90, the Spanish international provided the cross which culminated in Savic putting through his own net, having previously laid on fellow full-back Mendy’s fine finish, too.
And as much has since culminated in widespread praise online, with many having gone as far as to label Carvajal the world’s very best in his role:
Whilst it is Real Madrid who have deservedly taken the plaudits on the back of the full-time whistle in Riyadh, though, it would be remiss not to highlight the latest historic achievement of one of Atlético’s star men, too.
The player in question? Antoine Griezmann.
After levelling things up at two goals apiece this evening, frontman Griezmann took his tally in the colours of Atléti to a whopping 174 goals.
This guided the French international clear in top spot in the list of greatest-ever goalscorers for the capital club.
Conor Laird | GSFN
