After a 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Bernabau in the Spanish Cup first leg match, Real Madrid have more to worry about as Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off at half time and was replaced by James Rodriguez.
Although Carlo Ancelotti disclosed it doesn’t look serious, the manager will be waiting eagerly to know the outcome of Ronaldo’s medical test as they prepare for the second leg tie with the new La Liga season fast approaching.
Real Madrid started brightly dominating the first half even though James Rodriguez and Angel Di Maria were left on the bench.
Although, Real had more of the possession, they struggled to create clear cut chances against an ever physical Atletico Madrid team who on the other hand had both Mario Mandzukic and Saul Niguez tested Iker Casillas with the little opportunities they got.
The second half produced more from Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo forced off to be replaced by James Rodriguez.
Gareth Bale came close to giving Real Madrid the lead.
Atletico’s goalkeeper, Moya escaped from conceding after 70 minutes with Kroos firing wide from close range after a parry on Gareth Bale’s free kick.
Finally, James Rodriguez fired home in the 80th minute after a deflection off Christian Ansaldi to calm the nerves in Santiago Bernabau but Atletico Madrid will not give up when Raul Garcia flicked home Koke’s corner in the 88th minute.
The second leg on Friday will have to see Real Madrid score at least once to stand a chance of winning the Spanish cup, the second trophy out of the possible six for them this season.
Real Madrid will be waiting eagerly to see Cristiano Ronaldo fully fit for the tie as they do their best in holding firm to Angel Di Maria amidst high interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint German.
Atletico Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone added after the match that Angel Di Maria is the best player in Real Madrid.
Angel Di Maria played 12 minutes of the super cup tie on Tuesday night after coming on for Luka Modric and the midfielder turned the game on its head as he took control immediately.
Although Di Maria was not directly involved with James Rodriguez’s goal but he added more bite to Madrid’s attack with the goal arriving after 3 minutes of his inclusion.
Diego Simeone also said he’s pleased with a result that leaves them with a 50% chance of claiming the first Spanish silverware of the season.
In his words, “It’s 50-50 because Madrid always scores goals and thinking about a 0-0 draw won’t be good.
Real Madrid will have a lot of work to do on Friday in breaking down a resolute Atletico Madrid defence with their ever present physicality.
The return of Ronaldo will also be a big boost as Carlo Ancelotti will leave no stone unturned in their preparation.
Atletico Madrid will be off pressure and Real Madrid will have to show why they have a squad worth over £500 million in coping with the pressure on Friday.
