David Alaba and Karim Benzema were on target as Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 to win the 2022/23 UEFA Super Cup in Helsinki on Wednesday.
Real Madrid kickstarted their 2022/23 campaign in style by lifting the UEFA Super Cup after beating last season’s Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland.
The first half was closely contested as both teams made a positive start to the game. Daichi Kamada and Ansgar Knauff drew fine stops from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois while Vinicius Junior had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Tuta at the other end. The Brazilian speedster saw another strike miss narrowly before Los Blancos broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through David Alaba.
Minutes later, Real Madrid could have doubled their lead, but Karim Benzema fired his shot wide from inside the box as half-time arrived. Following the break, Vinicius continued to threaten the Eintracht defence, forcing a save from Kevin Trapp via a deflected effort, while Casemiro hit the bar with a curling strike from his left foot.
Benzema, after missing a chance in the first half, did not make the same mistake again as he found the back of the net with a powerful effort after some fine work by Vinicius to make it 2-0 and put Real Madrid on track for the win. Eintracht Frankfurt tried to muster up a fightback, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side saw off the game in a professional manner to start the new season just like they ended the last one – with a trophy.
With the win, Real Madrid have now lifted the UEFA Super Cup for the fifth time, while Ancelotti has now won 24 trophies in his glorious managerial career. Here are our player ratings for the Merengues superstars following a clinical performance in Helsinki.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois: 7.5/10
The Real Madrid No. 1 came to the team’s aid again on a big occasion, making two vital saves in the first half when the scoreline was still 0-0. Courtois was not tested much thereafter though apart from a routine stop to save a scuffed shot from Knauff in the second half.
Dani Carvajal: 6.5/10
The Spanish defender had a troubled pre-season due to some fitness issues but was not bogged down by it in Helsinki. He coped well with the danger posed by Christopher Lenz and Kamada, while also providing a decent outlet on the overlap.
Eder Militao: 7/10
The former FC Porto centre-half was preferred over new signing Antonio Rudiger, and he justified the selection with a solid display. Militao dealt well with the Frankfurt strikers when needed and was reliable with his use of possession.
David Alaba: 7.5/10
One more. pic.twitter.com/v4U1kAKxbJ
— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) August 10, 2022
The Austrian international opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a simple tap-in after a well-worked corner routine. Alaba was not troubled a great deal defensively and did not shy away from pushing forward when needed.
Ferland Mendy: 5/10
One of the rare letdowns for Real Madrid on the night, the Frenchman hardly offered any assurance on the ball, getting dispossessed quite regularly. Knauff also enjoyed a lot of joy attacking his flank.
Luka Modric: 6.5/10
Not at his absolute best, but the Real Madrid veteran did not need to be as he was on top of his opponents even when playing in first gear. Modric kept things ticking along nicely and helped his team stay in control before being taken off.
Casemiro: 7.5/10
A solid display from the Brazilian enforcer, who did well to cut out any threat when Frankfurt looked to push forward. Casemiro was useful with the ball at his feet and his usual aggressive self when not in possession. He got the assist for the first goal and then came close to scoring one himself.
Toni Kroos: 7.5/10
Toni Kroos vs Frankfurt:
• 120 touches.
• 97/102 passes completed.
• 12/14 long passes completed.
• 3 chances created.
• 6 defensive actions.They doubted this man. pic.twitter.com/A43QOQ3kn7
— TC (@totalcristiano) August 10, 2022
The veteran pass master helped dictate play from the word go as he sprayed passes left, right and centre, constantly trying to poke holes into the Frankfurt backline. Kroos was also solid without the ball as he made some important tackles and interceptions.
Federico Valverde: 6.5/10
Once again shunted out on the right flank, the Uruguayan international worked as hard as ever and offered energy and directness when on the ball. Valverde played a part in the buildup leading to Vinicius’ chance that was cleared off the line.
Karim Benzema: 7.5/10
Leading the team as the full-time captain of Real Madrid, Benzema was sharp at the top, with his movement and link-up play with Vinicius causing problems. He should have scored from a chance in the first half but made amends to make it 2-0 and put the game to bed. With his goal, the Frenchman is now second on the list of Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorers, going past Raul Gonzalez.
Karim Benzema and Vinícius Jr. receive their Champions League Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards ? pic.twitter.com/MsXibZoZ3L
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 10, 2022
Vinicius Junior: 8/10
The hero of Real Madrid’s Champions League final win over Liverpool, Vinicius started the new season where he left off, causing plenty of problems to the Eintracht defence with his speed, skills on the ball and sharp movement. The Brazilian had a shot cleared off the line in the first half and had an effort saved in the second period before he set Benzema up for his goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Rodrygo Goes: 6/10
The Brazilian came on for Modric in the 67th minute and had some good moments, making a few mazy runs in the final third.
Eduardo Camavinga: N/A
The young midfielder replaced Camavinga with less than 15 minutes left.
Antonio Rudiger: N/A
Rudiger came on for Carvajal in the 85th minute and slotted in at right-back on his official debut for Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni: N/A
On for Kroos to make his competitive debut for Los Blancos.
Dani Ceballos: N/A
Replaced Vinicius with five minutes left on the clock.
And Hazard was not given a chance to play. This is really saddening. I hope he would leave for another club for playing time. He should have stayed with Chelsea and still won all the trophieshe wanted.