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Real Madrid kicked off the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid in Tallinn, Estonia in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup. Diego Costa scored the fastest goal in Super Cup history and put Atleti in front after just 49 seconds.
Karim Benzema's header at the far post brought Real back on level terms just before the half-hour mark. Atletico right-back Juanfran was penalized for sticking his arm in the box and the resulting spot-kick was tucked away coolly by Sergio Ramos to put his side in front at 2-1
Diego Costa started Atleti's comeback and equalized in the 79th minute to force extra time. Two quickfire goals by Saul Niguez and Koke wrapped up a dramatic Super Cup tie and Diego Simeone's side lifted their third Super Cup trophy in the last eight years.
On that note, here are the 3 reasons why Real Madrid lost against their city rivals:
#3 Asensio has a poor outing
With Cristiano Ronaldo gone, the left-wing is up for grabs at Real Madrid this season and Marco Asensio will be one of the favourites to occupy that vacant position week in and week out if the Champions League holders do not buy a new left-winger until the closing of the transfer window.
However, Wednesday Evening in Estonia wasn't Asensio's night as the Spaniard had a disappointing game and was substituted after just 56 minutes. The former Mallorca man had very little to show for and failed to contribute anything significant during his short stay on the pitch.
Asensio was below par and it affected his game as he failed to supply any killer passes or crosses into the box. There were instances when there was an opening but he squandered those glorious opportunities which could have put Real in front by a goal or two.
Luka Modric was benched for the clash against Atletico Madrid before he came on as a substitute. However, Julen Lopetegui may revert back to the 4-3-3 system on the weekend which could see Marco Asensio lose his place in the starting lineup.
Asensio will have to be more prolific if he aims to nail down his spot in the playing XI under the new manager and he will have to capitalize on the chances he receives as a starter to establish himself as a full-time starter at Real Madrid in the long run.
#2 Varane's error hurts Real Madrid in extra-time
The returning World Cup Stars at Real Madrid such as Raphael Varane have had a long summer and limited time in pre-season thus far. The Frenchman looked rusty and off-pace in the Super Cup clash and might some time to recover and be it his best for the forthcoming season.
But, Varane is to blame for letting Atletico take the lead in extra-time as his error proved costly as his slip-up in the build-up let Saul Niguez free to pounce on the opportunity and the Spaniard made no mistake as Los Rojiblancos took a one-goal lead early in extra-time.
Varane's mistake came at a crucial stage of the game as they fell behind after just eight minutes, just when Real seemed to seize a grip on the game. But the goal meant that Real lost their momentum and had to restart all over again but this time to find the equalizer.
However, players like Raphael Varane know how to bounce back from these sort of moments and it will only be a short amount of time before the 25 year old is back to full fitness and at his best after the start of the 2018/19 campaign.
#1 Lopetegui and Real Madrid have a lot of things to sort out
New Real Madrid gaffer Julen Lopetegui has a lot on his plate heading into the new season. Things have started on a sour note for the 53-year-old as he became the first Los Blancos boss in 11 years to lose his first competitive game in charge.
Anyway, this defeat must be brushed aside quickly by Lopetegui and set his sights for the upcoming season as a lot of things need to be addressed in an environment where certain things remain undecided.
Neither have Real found a like-to-like replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo nor have they invested in an out and out striker who can deliver 30 plus goals. Similarly, the future of midfield ace Luka Modric remains in jeopardy after the Croatian stated his desire to play in Italy one day.
A lot of responsibility will rely on Gareth Bale's shoulders as he has the golden opportunity of cementing his legacy at the Santiago Bernebau in the absence of Ronaldo and the best is expected out of him for the 2018/19 campaign.
It is important that Lopetegui gets everything sorted and settled in the shortest amount of time possible.
A bad start to the season can only result in unrest among the players in the dressing room along with a hostile response from the Real Madrid fans, as it has affected the temperament of previous Los Blancos managers in the past and it has eventually led to them getting the sack at the end of the season.
