Real Madrid - Athletic Club
SF

Real Madrid - Athletic Club

Real Madrid
Real Madrid
12
Athletic Club
Athletic Club
  • 73' Benzema
  • Raúl García 18'
  • Raúl García (p.) 37'

LocationLa Rosaleda , Málaga

Raúl García fires Athletic to the Supercopa final

Athletic Club beat Real Madrid 1-2 to reach a third Supercopa final against FC Barcelona

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Athletic Club have reached the Spanish Super Cup final after beating Real Madrid 1-2 at La Rosaleda. The Lions will now battle it out with FC Barcelona for the trophy on Sunday at 21:00 CET.

It was a just victory for the Rojiblancos on the night, with forward Raúl García scoring a brace.

Despite a few second-half scares, a great first half was enough to see the Lions through the match.

As far as first wins go, it is a big one for Marcelino García Toral. The new boss has built upon the work done by Gaiza Garitano and his coaching staff, who led the team to the tournament.

The Lions struggled to put a dent in Madrid’s defence at the start of the match, but in the 18th minute Athletic went ahead thanks to good work by central midfielder Dani Garcia.

The hard-working midfielder caught out the Madrid defence as they tried to play out from the back, before passing on to Raúl García who scored past Thibaut Courtois with a classy finish.

Raúl, keen to make up for his sending-off at Valdebebas, put in a magnificent performance. He did everything well. In fact, the striker almost got an immediate second when he shot just wide from distance.

Athletic’s second goal came in the 36th minute. Central defender Iñigo Martinez was dragged down in the area by Lucas Vazquez after a corner and the referee blew for a penalty. Raúl García stepped up and calmly slotted it away to double his side’s lead before the break.

The second half seemed to last an eternity. The Lions almost made it 0-3 in the 55th minute when an Ander Capa cross found Iker Muniain with loads of space in the box, but the captain headed wide.

Real Madrid finally woke up and Marco Asensio twice hit the post. Los Blancos pulled one back in the 72nd minute. A Karim Benzema was allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR revision for suspected offside.

Asier Villalibre could have made it 1-3 with his first touch after coming off the bench, but Courtois denied him with a spectacular save.

Nevertheless, Athletic held on. Benzema had another effort ruled out and there was a VAR revision for a suspected handball in the Athletic area during stoppage time, but the Lions made it through.

Athletic Club have reached the Supercopa final after knocking out the reigning LaLiga Santander and Supercopa champions. The final awaits…