In the 2nd minute, Federico Valverde made the whole stadium explode with an unbelievable free kick from a distance of about 35m. The ball went quickly, stuck straight into the top corner of the goal, making Jan Oblak completely helpless and bringing the opening goal for Los Blancos.
Conceding an early goal, Atletico Madrid did not falter at all. Diego Simeone's team gradually regained control and created a series of dangerous opportunities. Thibaut Courtois had to continuously show off his talent, notably his excellent reflexes in front of Alexander Sorloth's close-range header. However, the lack of accuracy in finishing made it impossible for Rojiblancos to find an equalizer in the first half.
The match took place tense and continuously collided, contrary to the more open pace in the confrontation between Barcelona and Bilbao.
Stepping into the second half, Real Madrid took advantage of the moment Atletico pushed up. In the 55th minute, Rodrygo received a pass from Valverde, surpassed Robin Le Normand and then coldly finished to double the lead.
However, Real's advantage only existed for 3 minutes. Sorloth jumped high to head the ball to narrow the score to 1-2 from Giuliano Simeone's assist, pulling Atletico back to the match and pushing the pace to a breathtaking level.
The final minutes witnessed the overwhelming pressure from Atletico, with consecutive attacks by Sorloth and an impromptu "backheel" by Antoine Griezmann. However, Real Madrid's defense and Courtois's top form still stood firm.
In the end, Real Madrid won 2-1, sent Atletico away from the tournament and advanced to the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona. There, they will aim to reclaim the debt of the 2-5 defeat last season.
