The Corner: Real Madrid Super Cup Champions

August 30, 2012 4:30 am Philippine Time

Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2nd Leg of Super Cup Champions (Santiago Bernabeu)

With Barcelona leading the aggregate score 3-2 going to the second leg, I was feeling more than nervous of what will happen going to this game. Real Madrid just came from a lost too off their game in La Liga against Getafe and they had received criticism from their manager Mourinho, I'm wondering how could they respond to that, especially up against a great team Barcelona.

First half whistle came and they had proved that they were really up to the challenged. First minutes of the game saw the Whites attacking and creating chances to score. It was indeed a good comeback for Pepe after missing some games due to injury as he provide good defense (I'm anticipating his defense particularly to Messi, I've heard/read he had good history against him - good might be an understatement *grin*). More than the defense though of Pepe, he was the one who created a good chance for Madrid as he passed a long ball to Higuain. He easily scored a goal against the Barca goalkeeper Valdes. Then on the 19th minute of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo add another goal, his move - back-flicked of the ball to keep the possession was just amazing, he struggle a bit to control the ball and though the goalkeeper was anticipating the shot, Ronaldo was able to shoot it past him with a very powerful shot. Of course, I could never been so happier! As some fans had said, that was the fifth successive goal of Ronaldo against Barcelona, I think that's an awesome feat as there were only two of them for the Whites to do it. I was also looking at some match commentary and some said this was like the only El Clasico where Real Madrid had actually dominate. There was a third goal but it was cancelled since Pepe was caught pushing a Barca player. During the 28th minute a Barca player saw red as he pushed off Ronaldo who had a good scoring chance, Barca was reduced to 10 players but they seemed to had been more dangerous. The 2-0 lead though was not long-lived, before the halftime whistle, Messi took a free-kick, and I am shocked to see how he had done it so beautifully as well! I could never complain as the halftime score was 2-1 because that free-kick was just wonderful, even if it was against Real Madrid. The second half was a bit different, there was more possession on Barca side, and they are trying to attack more. But the Whites was able to held up their defense with Iker Casillas doing some brilliant saves. With their less possession, they were still able to have some shots on target but the other sides goalkeeper was able to held up his own. Fulltime and score was 2-1. Aggregate scores was 4-4 but Real Madrid won with Away Goals having scored 2 in Camp Nou (pretty sure Barca fans again remember that error of Valdes during the first leg). Real Madrid was named the Super Cup Champions.

The thing was, even before this championship started, both teams, both managers were saying this was the least important of all trophies although they will both make an effort to get it. But this one, was still special for Real Madrid, after having a not so good first week in La Liga, after being criticized by their own coach and some fans, this, as Cristiano Ronaldo had said, will give them more confidence in the future. Also this was special for Luca Modric, who had played his first game as a White after being substitute during the 83rd minute and instantly won a championship for them - he was hailed a Lucky Luca by his teammates.

This was special, for me of course, as I have witnessed them to get a trophy. I am just happy for them. I am a very happy Real Madrid fan.