Analysis: UEFA Super Cup result was pivotal for both sides

The all-Madrid Super Cup ended in a 4-2 win for Atletico Madrid, which could have an effect on how the two sides start the domestic season.

This was a hugely entertaining Super Cup as both sides were determined not to lose to their hated city rivals. However, Atletico embodied the grit and determination they have become known for under Diego Simeone to come from behind and win in extra time.

This is only a minor trophy, but the psychological effect it could have on both teams is huge. In some ways the Super Cup has been an omen of the future for Real Madrid in the last two seasons; they scored last-minute goals in normal and extra time to beat Sevilla 3-2 in 2016 and then held on to beat Manchester United 2-1 in 2017.

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They won the European double in the 2016/17 season with late goals being a key feature while they absorbed heavy periods of pressure to win against the odds in multiple matches in the 2017/18 Champions League.

Therefore, losing in this competition isn’t a good sign, but the manner of the defeat as well as who it was to is even worse. Real Madrid were a fierce competitor in Europe under Zinedine Zidane with three consecutive Champions League titles.

However, they may be weaker with Julen Lopetegui in charge and will struggle to replicate that success. It’s already been pointed out that they never conceded 4 goals under Zidane in a competitive game.

Real are known for their prowess in European competitions and their response to going behind at the start of the match was customary because they were 2-1 up after Sergio Ramos’ penalty in the 63rd minute. However, Atletico fashioned a chance out of nothing, after a mistake from Marcelo, and Diego Costa scored to draw his team level.

Los Blancos then crumbled in extra time with Saul Niguez scoring an exquisite volley after Raphael Varane was caught in possession, and Koke side-footing an effort home after a well-executed counter-attack.

It was a strange performance from the European champions because they lacked their usual tenacity and clinical edge. This result also means that questions will be asked about their lack of major transfer business aside from bringing in Thibaut Courtois because talisman Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus this summer.

The timing of this game is why it is so important for both sides. Real are starting a new era and go into the new season in the worst way possible. The pressure is on Lopetegui instantly so he can’t afford a poor start, and the circumstances around his appointment certainly won’t help due to how they affected Spain’s preparation for the World Cup.

Lopetegui could very easily be sacked during the season if they don’t get the desired results. His methods are good, but he might not get the backing or time to successfully implement them. Ronaldo’s departure means he loses a player who could have bailed him out with key goals during an important period.

This is an important season for Atleti due to how much they have invested in the squad which is related to the fact that the Champions League final is in their stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano. They have also finally won a tie against Real in a European competition after losing to them in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals as well as the 2015 quarter-finals and the 2017 semi-finals. The 2016 final really hurt because they were the better team.

Atletico Madrid may finally go all the way in the Champions League or this could just be an anomalous Super Cup result. There have been false dawns for Los Rojiblancos before, but this feels like the start of a bright new era. At the very least, they seem likely to once again finish ahead of their city rivals in the league based on this performance.