Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao and lift Spanish Super Cup

Real Madrid won a 12th Spanish Super Cup title after goals from Luka Modric and Karim Benzema earned them a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti returned to Spain last Summer, after leaving Everton and was looking to win his first trophy in his second stint at Real Madrid.

Los Blancos might not be as spectacular as they were a few seasons ago, when Cristiano Ronaldo was their main man, but surely, they are pretty efficient and effective in their job, as they don't need to create too many chances to score a goal.

Real took the lead in the 38th minute after Rodrygo sprinted past two defenders before passing to Modric, who rifled a shot into the back of the net.

Karim Benzema doubled their lead in the second half from the penalty spot after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted a handball from Yeray Alvarez inside the box.

A last gasp of hope for Athletic came three minutes from time, when Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men after Eder Militao was sent off for blocking a shot and Bilbao were awarded a penalty.

From the spot, Thibaut Courtois produced a superb save to keep out Raul Garcia penalty with his leg to ensure there was no late comeback for Athletic, who won the trophy last year.

The Italian manager previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015, winning Madrid's 10th Champions League title in 2014, as well as the Spanish Cup in the same year, adding now the Spanish Super Cup. Only the La Liga missing now...

🏆✨ That trophy lift.#SUPERCAMPEONES pic.twitter.com/1bVw3t6EKJ

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 16, 2022