Real Madrid hold off United to win European Super Cup

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Real Madrid beat Manchester United 2-1 on Tuesday to lift the European Super Cup for the fourth time as they became the first team to retain the trophy since AC Milan in 1990.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro struck the opener with a left-foot strike midway through the first half while Spain midfielder Isco consolidated Real's advantage with a slick finish in the 52nd minute at the National Arena in Skopje, Macedonia.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric celebrate in Skopje, Macedonia on August 8, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

United's new striker Romelu Lukaku got his first competitive goal for the club to reduce the deficit just past the hour with a simple finish on the rebound in the annual showdown between the European champions and Europa League holders.

That sparked a brief period of pressure from Jose Mourinho's United side and they could have drawn level when Marcus Rashford burst through but he was denied by Keylor Navas' save, ensuring Real won their fifth international trophy under Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates celebrate winning the super cup final with the trophy in Skopje, Macedonia on August 8, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Mourinho's admission before the game that Real had much more quality than his side was confirmed as the Champions League winners monopolized possession and nearly took an early lead when Gareth Bale sent an instinctive shot narrowly over the bar.

Casemiro then crashed a diving header against the bar before meeting Dani Carvajal's perfectly weighted cross on the half-volley to add to his goal in the Champions League final win over Juventus.

Europa League holders United barely mustered an effort at Navas in the first period, the club's record signing Paul Pogba wasting their only chance with a shot that was easily blocked when Henrik Mkhitaryan was unmarked screaming for the ball.

Real Madrid’s Keylor Navas celebrates winning the super cup final with the trophy in Skopje, Macedonia on August 8, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Real continued to dominate after the break as United struggled to press their opponents in the heat and humidity that was so intense the teams took a water break in each half.

A fine save by United keeper David de Gea prevented Toni Kroos from scoring moments after the restart while their defender Chris Smalling did well to block a goal-bound effort from Marcelo and send it into the side netting.

Real Madrid’s Isco celebrates scoring the second goal in the super cup final on August 8, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Real's dominance waned towards the end as United forced their way back into the game but there was little question the all-conquering Spanish giants were worthy winners when captain Sergio Ramos hoisted the trophy into the Skopje air.

Madrid did not relent, however, and standout performer Isco deservedly doubled their advantage with an arrowed finish beyond his Spain team mate De Gea after bursting into the area and exchanging a pass with Welshman Bale, who later rattled the bar. Real's dominance waned towards the end as United forced their way back into the game but there was little question the all-conquering Spanish giants were worthy winners when captain Sergio Ramos hoisted the trophy into the Skopje air.

Source(s): Reuters