Atletico Madrid Forced Spanish Super Cup Draw against Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid denied Bitter rivals, Real Madrid a win in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Tuesday.
A Raul Garcia equaliser two minutes from time cancelled James Rodriguez’s first goal for the Copa Del Rey champions as as Atletico Madrid salvaged a 1-1 draw at the end of the match.
The Colombian World Cup star started on the bench, but replaced Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time when the FIFA Ballon d’Or winner was substituted due to a muscle injury. He scored his first goal 10 minutes from time.
Atletico however got a precious away goal to take into the return leg at the Vicente Calderon on Friday when Garcia flicked home a corner from close range in the 89th minute.
Despite finding it difficult to break down Atletico’s dogged defence, Real manager, Carlo Ancelotti is confident that a repeat performance will see his side emerge victorious on Friday.
“Atletico have a small advantage because we have to score in the Calderon. We have the potential to score goals at the Calderon and we will try. If we repeat the way we played today we will win the Super Cup.”
He has allayed fears that Ronaldo’s injury could rule him out for a prolonged period of time. “He had a strain after the first-half and he wasn’t comfortable. We will evaluate him tomorrow and do all the proper checks, but it doesn’t appear anything too serious.”
Atletico coach, Diego Simeone hailed his side’s work rate, saying: “In the first-half despite defending close to our area we had three or four chances to score a goal.”
He also expressed his surprise that compatriot, Angel Di Maria didn’t start the game and only featured as a late substitute. The Argentine coach claimed the player who has been rumoured with a move away from the Spanish club, is even more vital to Real than Ronaldo or Gareth Bale.
“The second half was more or less the same, with a little bit better play from Madrid with the introduction of Di Maria. That was logical because he is the best player they have. It is an important draw and allows us to play for the trophy at home with a 50-50 chance.”
Real will now hope to win at 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.
