Atletico Madrid Diego Costa evaluated the victory after the team defeated Real Madrid to win the European Super Cup: “I am very happy, because this is a long-awaited victory. We lost both of the previous two finals against Real Madrid, and we are very eager to win them once. This game gives us confidence in the new season.”
Real Madrid began life without Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane with defeat in the first ever Uefa Super Cup derby as Atletico Madrid scored twice in extra time.
Two excellent late goals from Koke and Saul sealed victory for Atletico after the game ended 2-2 in normal time.
It was Real’s first match since Ronaldo signed for Juventus for £99m in the summer and Zidane was replaced as manager by former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui.
Koke’s smart finish and Saul’s sensational 16-yard volley in extra time helped Europa League holders Atletico win their third Super Cup in as many appearances.
Diego Costa also scored twice in normal time, thumping in the opener after 49 seconds and tapping in another after the interval.
Gareth Bale had set up Karim Benzema with a header at the back post for Real’s first and captain Sergio Ramos slotted home a penalty for a 2-1 lead after Juanfran was penalised for handball.
Full-back Marcelo squandered an excellent chance to score the winner for Real with an overhead kick in the final seconds of normal time as back-to-back Champions League winners Real were looking to become the first side to win three Super Cups in successive seasons.
Costa believes that Atletico Madrid is very competitive this season: “Atletico Madrid has always been ambitious. As long as we work hard, we can achieve good results and compete with any team. We have done a good job this summer, but May we be able to become stronger.”
