Ronaldo Inspires Real To Super Cup Glory
Cristiano Ronaldo Scored Twice As Real Madrid Defeated Leicester In The UEFA Super Cup
15/08/2023
In Christian Schäfer's first game in charge of Real Madrid, his team were victorious against Leicester City in the UEFA Super Cup. Club captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in an inspirational performance, opening his last campaign as a football player with a bang.
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vs Leicester (15/08/2023) UEFA Super Cup
vs Leicester (15/08/2023) UEFA Super Cup
Christian Schäfer opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation for his first game in charge. Cristiano Ronaldo lead the line, leaving Anthony Martial on the bench. €90M winger Hirving Lozano made his debut alongside Isco and James Rodríguez in attacking midfield. Andrés Cubas also made his debut, pairing up with Mateo Kovacic in midfield.
It took less than two minutes for Real Madrid to open their account for the season, and it was their number seven and captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who produced the goods. Raphaël Varane intercepted a sloppy pass from Zach Clough and picked out James Rodríguez on the right wing. The Colombian attacker centered the ball for Cristiano Ronaldo who struck the ball first time, from all of twenty yards out, out of Zacharie Bouchier's reach and in to the bottom corner. Real Madrid were in the ascendancy.
Raphaël Varane doubled Real Madrid's lead fifteen minutes later. Real Madrid had a moment of sustained pressure, winning a number of corners. James Rodríguez delivered the ball in to the front post area, and the French defender Raphaël Varane was on hand to power a header past the goalkeeper and in to the goal. It was looking very rosy for Los Blancos.
Leicester City halved the deficit five minutes later through striker Zach Clough. Will Hughes intercepted an Isco pass before sending Jean-Kévin Augustin in to space on the left wing. The Frenchman picked out an unmarked Zach Clough in the area, who's initial shot was parried by Juan Carlos Triviño, but was not to be denied on the second time of asking as he pounced on the rebound.
This goal opened up the game, with plenty occuring during the remainder of the half. Clough had an opportunity to score an equaliser on the half-hour mark but he skied his one-on-one effort. Minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo struck the post with a long-range effort. Next, Ronaldo teed up Lozano but the Mexican's powerful drive was blocked by goalkeeper Bouchier.
Lozano had the greatest opportunity to double Real Madrid's lead once more when Bernat's throw landed at his feet with a clear passage in to the box. The Mexican stormed in to the area to face the goalkeeper, but his shot was once again saved by the Reunionese international.
It was Ronaldo who scored the only goal of the second half, and he did so with style. Real Madrid had won a free-kick on the edge of the D, and up stepped the legendary No.7. With his signature stride to the ball, Ronaldo found the top corner with a powerful effort. The Real Madrid support erupted with a triumphant roar, as their side regained their two-goal cushion.
The goal had put the game beyond any doubt, securing the UEFA Super Cup for Real Madrid and Christian Schäfer. Next up is be the Supercopa de España, where FC Barcelona will certainly prove to be more formidable opponents for Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. Can Christian Schäfer add a second trophy when his side face Barcelona?
Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid) 9.0Christian Schäfer's Post-Match Interview:
"It was a magnificent performance to give us the victory. Cristiano lead the line today to great effect, and he scored twice to give something to show for his efforts. We kept Leicester on the back foot, for the most part, and restricted them to just a handful of chances. I feel that with more time, we will play even better and become more dominant in matches."
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