Athletic Club 0-2 Real Madrid: 5 talking points as Modric wonder goal helps secure Madrid's first trophy since 2020 | Supercopa de Espana 2021

Karim Benzema scored from the spot to double Real Madrid's lead.
Karim Benzema scored from the spot to double Real Madrid's lead.

#3 Marcelo becomes the joint-most decorated player in Real Madrid history

Marcelo has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid this season.
Marcelo has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid this season.

Marcelo played just five minutes and had virtually no impact on Real Madrid's win. However, he got to lift the Supercopa de Espana trophy on Monday.

It marked the 23rd title for the Brazilian defender with the Spanish giants. As things stand, no player has won more silverware with Los Blancos than him. However, legendary winger Paco Gento has also won the same number of trophies with the club as Marcelo.

Marcelo has had just two starts for Real Madrid across competitions this season, so it is clear he is not in Ancelotti's plans at the moment. However, he's now on course to become Madrid's most-decorated player of all time if they win La Liga, Copa Del Rey or Champions League by the end of the campaign.


#2 Both Los Blancos and Bilbao benefit from VAR intervention

Benzema scored Madrid's second goal from the penalty spot.
Benzema scored Madrid's second goal from the penalty spot.

Both teams won a penalty in the second half after a potential handball check by VAR in the game. There were two different scenarios leading to the same outcome.

Real Madrid were awarded the penalty after Benzema's effort on goal struck Yeray Álvarez on the arm. After initially being awarded a corner kick, the referee was asked to check the replay, as the player's arms were not in a natural position. Madrid doubled their lead as Benzema converted from the spot.

Athletic Bilbao also saw a penalty awarded from a VAR intervention when Eder Militao seemingly obstructed Raul Garcia's header with his arm. As the ball was heading for the goal, the Brazilian was shown a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.


#1 Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao in a cup final for the first time

Thibaut Courtois' penalty save ensured a clean sheet for Madrid.
Thibaut Courtois' penalty save ensured a clean sheet for Madrid.

Madrid have enjoyed a great run against Athletic Bilbao in recent outings, as Los Leones have just one win over the capital club in their last 16 meetings. Nonetheless, it was a landmark win for Madrid, as it marked the first time in history they managed to outscore the Basque club in a cup final.

The two clubs had met five times in the Copa del Rey final (1916, 1939, 1933, 1943 and 1958) before this clash, with Bilbao emerging top on each occasion.

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