Atletico Madrid finally got their own back on Real Madrid in European competition by snatching a 4-2 win over their city rivals after extra time to lift the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.
Diego Costa gave Europa League holders Atletico a dream start against Champions League winners Real by firing them ahead after 49 seconds.
He knocked down a long pass and smashed the ball into the net from a tight angle.
Real, playing their first competitive game since all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo left and Julen Lopetegui succeeded Zinedine Zidane as coach, soon pulled level.
Karim Benzema nodded in a cross from Gareth Bale in the 27th minute.
Real, who beat Atletico in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals and dumped them out of the competition in 2015 and 2017, were unrelenting.
They poured more pain on their neighbours when Juanfran handled and Sergio Ramos tucked the penalty kick away.
Diego Simeone’s side, however, are renowned for their fighting spirit and in spite of being outplayed for sections of the second half, got back into the game with 12 minutes left.
A thumping close-range finish from Costa drew them level.
Brazilian left back Marcelo had the chance to grab Real victory in stoppage-time but he slipped as he tried to meet a Bale cross.
Extra-time was then needed to settle an enthralling contest between the fierce rivals.
Atletico were on the back foot for the start of the extra period but they were still able to press their opponents high up the pitch.
That led to Raphael Varane giving the ball away outside his area.
Saul Niguez thumped home a stunning volley from Thomas Partey’s cross in the 98th minute to restore their lead.
Fellow academy graduate Koke struck six minutes later, finishing off a smooth team move to secure Atletico’s third Super Cup title.(Reuters/NAN)
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