Perez’s faith in Zidane’s winning mentality remains
steadfast. “Zidane has plenty of trophies and we're very happy for him. I hope
that he wins more trophies,” Perez remarked. “Zidane has a loving relationship
with Real Madrid. He decided to rest for a year and now he's returned with
renewed energy. Zidane is a blessing from heaven.”
The Challenges of an
Undermanned Squad
Real Madrid entered the tournament in Saudi Arabia without
key players Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale. Benzema’s absence was
particularly significant, given his prolific form over the past two seasons.
Zidane’s tactical response was to deploy a five-man midfield, blending youth
and experience. This strategy paid dividends, with Casemiro and Fede Valverde
emerging as pivotal figures. Valverde, in particular, demonstrated why he is so
highly regarded, showcasing his ability to create spaces and instigate
offensive plays despite Atletico’s disciplined defensive setup.
Atletico’s Defensive
Masterclass
Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, true to their reputation, proved
to be a formidable opponent. They effectively stifled Real’s midfield, pressing
Casemiro and Toni Kroos to disrupt their rhythm. This tactical approach limited
Real’s ability to transition into the final third. Luka Modric provided moments
of relief, but it was insufficient to break Atletico’s stranglehold.
Recognizing the need for greater dynamism, Zidane introduced Rodrygo Goes,
whose presence improved Real’s penetration into Atletico’s penalty area.
Rodrygo’s incisive play created opportunities, including a missed chance by
Luka Jovic following a brilliant through-ball. However, the breakthrough
remained elusive, and the match extended into extra time.
Moments of Drama and
Decision
Extra time saw both teams push for a decisive goal. Thibaut
Courtois and Jan Oblak, the two goalkeepers, were outstanding throughout,
making crucial saves to keep their teams in contention. Courtois, in
particular, redeemed himself after a shaky start to the season, delivering a
performance that underscored his importance to Real Madrid’s resurgence.
The turning point came in the 115th minute when Fede
Valverde committed a professional foul on Alvaro Morata, who was poised to
score the winning goal. Valverde’s cynical tackle earned him a red card but
effectively prevented Atletico from sealing the match. Simeone later
acknowledged the tactical intelligence behind the foul, calling it “a play that
any player would make in such a situation.”
The Penalty Shootout
With the match still deadlocked, the outcome was decided by
a penalty shootout. Courtois emerged as the hero, saving one penalty while Saul
Niguez struck the post. Real Madrid’s penalty takers—Carvajal, Rodrygo, Modric,
and Ramos—were clinical, ensuring victory without the need for a fifth kick.
Courtois’ performance throughout the tournament, including saving nine of the
eleven shots on target, was instrumental in Real’s triumph.
A Promising Start to
the Year
The victory in the Supercopa de España marks a promising start to 2020 for Real Madrid. It also serves as a testament to Zidane’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team under challenging circumstances. With renewed energy and a squad brimming with potential, Zidane’s Real Madrid appears poised for further success. For a club accustomed to silverware, this triumph is not just a celebration but a harbinger of greater achievements to come.
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