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Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid met in a classic Madrid derby in the Spanish Super Cup final. Real Madrid came into the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Valencia in the semi-final, and Los Blancos were full of confidence before the derby. Zinedine Zidane’s team were inconsistent at the start of the season but Real Madrid have found their mojo and look as good as ever.
Atletico Madrid have been unpredictable and have had their issues in front of goal all season. With five wins in their last five games in all competitions, Diego Simeone's men have found some form and looked to get a big win over their local rivals. Los Rojiblancos booked their place in the final after a dramatic 3-2 win over Barcelona in the semi-final.
With both teams in good form, the stage was set for an epic clash between the Madrid rivals. There were chances for both teams, but even 120 minutes were not enough for any side to come away with the win as a penalty shootout was required. There was drama when Federico Valverde fouled Alvaro Morata, who was clear on goal, with the Uruguayan being sent off. Thibaut Courtois' heroics throughout the game meant that Real Madrid had once again beaten Atletico Madrid in a final.
Keeping that in mind, let us look at the hits and flops from the game:
#5) Hit - Federico Valverde
A red card towards the end of the game could not really change the fact that Federico Valverde was amazing in a tense final. The Uruguayan was effective on the ball and looked dangerous when going forward. The 21-year-old had to deal with the hard-hitting and strong midfield of rivals Atletico Madrid, and he passed with flying colours.
The young midfielder was sent off late in the game after a filthy foul on Alvaro Morata but that was a foul he just had to make. It was another amazing performance overall by Valverde, who looks to have Zinedine Zidane's trust now. The French manager is creating an incredible box-to-box midfielder.
#4 Flop - Luka Jovic
Luka Jovic's big summer transfer to Real Madrid led to lot of hopes and expectations from the footballing world. Jovic was on fire with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga last season but has been disappointing since joining Los Blancos. It is safe to say that the struggling Serbian did not take full advantage of Karim Benzema’s absence.
Jovic was probably the only player in the Real Madrid starting XI who failed to impress in the final. The 21-year old striker was a nonentity throughout the first half but did show signs of improvement in the second half. While Jovic is still young, a lot more is expected from a striker starting for a club of Real Madrid's stature.
#3 Hit - Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier has arguably been Atletico's best player this season and he showed that with another solid display against a very attacking left flank of Real Madrid. Trippier had to deal with Isco and Ferland Mendy, and he stood up to the task. The introduction of Rodrygo against the tired legs of Trippier was a good move by Zidane but the right-back was up upto the challenge.
The Englishman played 120 minutes with full intensity, after playing 90 minutes against Barcelona only two days ago. He made six clearances and six tackles, and also made a crucial interception in the second half. The defender was also the only Atletico player to convert his spot-kick.
#2) Flop - Thomas Partey
It was a poor outing for Thomas Partey. The Atletico Madrid midfielder did break up play with some cynical fouls but was more or less ineffective throughout the game. A driving force and a strong presence for Atletico in most games, Partey could not live up to his potential on the night of the final.
Partey gave away possession in important areas and was chasing shadows most of the night. He could not create anything from the middle for Atletico Madrid and was unable to find that extra yard to take a shot at goal, which he is normally so good at. The penalty miss in the shootout made the night even worse for him. It was a match to forget for the 26-year-old.
#1) Hit - Thibaut Courtois
The start of the season was very shaky for Thibaut Courtois. His poor performances hung huge question marks over his Real Madrid future. But the Belgian has put his bad days aside and is now a fundamental part of Los Blancos' swing in form.
Courtois was dominant in the box and made some amazing saves against his former side. The 27-year-old held his position and made some huge saves whenever Atletico counter-attacked. The shot-stopper never looked in doubt throughout the game and his strong penalty save ensured that Real Madrid were always in command in the shootout. The Belgian looked impenetrable and Los Blancos have him to thank for this emphatic victory.
Also Read: Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid (4-1): 3 Talking Points | Spanish Super Cup 2019-20
