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UEFA Super Cup Match Report: Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid

Manchester United have lost to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, falling 2-1 to the Spanish giants. An early Casemiro goal gave Madrid the lead, and Isco made it two at the beginning of the second-half. Romelu Lukaku scored a goal to give United a glimmer of hope, but Madrid were able to hold on to win their second straight Super Cup.

Both teams fielded their best possible starting lineups. However, Cristiano Ronaldo was on the bench to begin, as he just recently resumed training after an extended summer break, due to the Confederations Cup. United fielded a similar side to the team that won the Europa League, but with the addition of the new summer signings of Lukaku, Lindelof, and Matic.

Lukaku nearly grabbed a goal in the opening minute, getting a head to a long ball hit over the top, but couldn’t get it past Navas in net.

Soon after, Madrid had a chance of their own. A cross was poorly defended by United, and the ball fell into the penalty area to Gareth Bale. The Welshman was unable to get the snapshot on target, however.

Madrid started to gain control of the match, and came very close to scoring in the 15th minute. A Kroos cross was headed off the bar by Casemiro.

Casemiro got another chance soon after. A poor clearance by Matic set up the Brazilian for a shot at the top of the box, but his shot went over the bar.

Real Madrid continued to press forward, and were rewarded with a goal. A lovely dinked cross from Carvajal was finished at the back post by Casemiro. New signing Lindelof will be disappointed when he watches the goal back, as was the one that lost Casemiro.

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Rashford came on at halftime, and Mourinho decide to go more attacking as United needed a goal. The substitution failed to pay off. A quick give and go played Isco through on goal, and the Spaniard calmly finished off the move. The goal came with a slight slice of fortune, as Matic was tripped up in the box, opening up the space for Isco.

United had a chance to respond instantly, but was let down by bad finishing. Pogba headed a cross right at Navas. The ball bounced back into the penalty area, but Lukaku skied the rebound.

Madrid had a chance to put the game to bed, but Gareth Bale’s rocket of a shot was tipped off the bar by De Gea.

Lukaku made up for the miss soon after, grabbing a goal to bring United back to life. A Matic shot from the top of the box was saved by Navas yet again, but the ball hit off the Costa Rican goalkeeper, right to the feet of Lukaku, who wasn’t going to miss again.

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There was quite the injury scare, as Fellaini and Ramos clashed heads, and both needed medical care. The United man got the worst of it, as he was cut open, needing stitches and a new kit.

Rashford had a great chance to tie the game, but was denied by Navas. Madrid then had a counter of their own after the United corner, but Darmian was able to get a saving tackle in. Rashford then had another chance after winning a free kick, but hit the following dead ball over the crossbar.

That turned out to be the final opportunity of the game, as Madrid were able to hold on for the victory. Although not winning a trophy is disappointing, the match allowed United to get some valuable game time before the start of the Premier League. United’s next match is Sunday, as they host West Ham to start their league campaign.



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