RIYADH: Real Madrid defeated Athletic in Riyadh to win their 12th Super Cup in a final decided by a beautiful goal from Modric and a Benzema penalty.

Real Madrid won their first trophy of the season, the twelfth Spanish Super Cup, defeating Athletic in Riyadh. Real Madrid dominated their opponents and added to their trophy haul thanks to Modric's 38th-minute strike and Benzema's 52nd-minute penalty. 

Courtois was at his best in the 86th minute to keep out Raúl García's penalty, after Militão had been dismissed.  Real Madrid left Saudi Arabia with another trophy as Modrić was named man of the match in the final.

The first half was played at a high tempo, with few big chances generated until Modric's goal. Unai Simón saved Benzema's shot from the edge of the box after 18 minutes. Casemiro tried his luck again nine minutes later, cutting in from the right and almost catching the Athletic custodian off guard. 

The first goal of the final came soon after, and what a goal it was. Rodrygo drew three defenders before slipping in Modric, who beat Unai Simón with a superb right-footed goal in the 38th minute. In stoppage time, Sancet's shot went barely over the bar as the Basque side sought to tie the score.

In the 50th minute, Benzema blasted the ball goalwards from the edge of the box, and the Frenchman's strike struck Yeray on the arm inside the box. Soto Grado awarded a penalty after conferring with the monitor, and the France international converted the spot-kick to double the Madridista's lead. It was Benzema’s second goal in this year’s competition, which made him top-scorer in the tournament.

Madrid was largely unthreatened until the 87th minute when Raul Garcia's header hit Militao on the arm inside the box. Soto Grado stepped over to the monitor once more and awarded Athletic a penalty, as well as a red card to the Madrid defender. Courtois then pulled off a spectacular save with his feet to deny Garcia. 

Courtois then pulled off a spectacular save with his feet to deny Garcia. There was still time for Ancelotti to bring on Marcelo, who became the current Madrid player with the most trophies to his name (23).

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency