Ruthless Real Cruise To Super Cup Final
09 January, 2020
Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final
Result: Valencia 1-3 Real Madrid
Date: 08 January 2020
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City
Real Madrid cruised to the Spanish Super Cup final after thrashing Valencia 3-1 in the semi-final at King Abdullah Sports City on Wednesday night.
Zinedine Zidane made three changes from the win over Getafe last weekend, as Sergio Ramos, Luka Jovic and Federico Valverde returned to the line-up while Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard missed out through injury.
After a promising opening, Los Blancos got the breakthrough goal on 15 minutes as Toni Kroos' corner caught out the Valencia shot-stopper and sailed into the back of the net.
Valencia were unlucky not to be level at the midway point of the half when Ferran Torres' cut-back found Kevin Gameiro on the edge of the box, but the Frenchman's effort sailed inches over the crossbar.
However, Real made their dominance count five minutes before the halftime break when Isco found the back of the net from close range after Luka Modric's initial effort was blocked.
It was more of the same in the second half as Zidane's charges extended their lead after the hour mark after Jovic turned provider to pick out Modric, who fired past Jaunme with a neat finish.
Valencia had to wait until the final 15 minutes for their first meaningful openings as Maximiliano Gómez and and Carlos Soler forced Thibaut Courtois into a couple fine saves.
Los Che did manage to pull a goal back in stoppage time through Dani Parejo's penalty, Los Blancos were able to see out the remaining stages of the half to book a spot in Saturday's final, where they could face Atletico Madrid or FC Barcelona.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za
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