Real Madrid beat Atletico on penalties to win Spanish Super Cup
Zinedine Zidane's managerial record in finals remains unblemished.
Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico on penalties to capture the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday, winning 4-1 in the shootout after 120 minutes of goalless action in Saudi Arabia.
The victory gives Zidane nine trophies as Real Madrid manager and maintains his perfect record in title-deciding matches with the club.
After Saul Niguez hit the post with his spot-kick, Thibaut Courtois came up with a huge save on Thomas Partey, teeing up captain Sergio Ramos to convert the decisive effort from 12 yards out.
The match may never have reached that point were it not for a tactical foul from Federico Valverde in the 115th minute. The Uruguayan midfielder hacked down Alvaro Morata when the Atleti striker was clean through on goal in the waning minutes of extra time, earning a red card that arguably saved the game for his side.
This Valverde foul won real madrid the final. Real need to give valverde a pay raise pic.twitter.com/a50mdnJZfK
— Wesley (@WesleyL10) January 12, 2020
"I said sorry to Alvaro," Valverde explained after the match. "It's not good to do what I did, but I was the last man."
The Super Cup featured four teams this year, as last season's La Liga and Copa del Rey winners, Barcelona and Valencia, were beaten by the two Madrid sides in the semifinals of the revamped competition.