(Football news) Real Madrid defeated Valencia in the Spanish Super Cup semi final on penalties. Carlo Ancelotti had a couple of injury problems as Aurélien Tchouaméni and David Alaba weren’t available due to injury. First choice full backs Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal were not fit enough to start. Lucas Vazquez and Nacho started in their place while Luka Modric also started on the bench. Eduardo Camavinga got a rare start in midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde. 

Real Madrid didn’t look comfortable from the start as they struggled to keep hold of the ball. Despite that Los Blancos did have a few very good chances to take the lead. In the 37th minute, Eder Militao played a wonderful long ball towards Karim Benzema who was blatantly fouled by Eray Comert. The referee pointed to the spot and Benzema converted the penalty to give Real Madrid the lead. Valencia striker Edison Cavani had a really good chance to equalise just before halftime but the effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois. 

After the break it took Valencia just 21 seconds to score via Samuel Diaz Lino. Real Madrid’s defence and midfield went to sleep as the score was 1-1. Los Blancos’ issues became worse as Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Vazquez had to come off due to injuries. Eder Militao was also substituted as he was dizzy after the ball hit his face.

The rest of normal time was pretty tight as both teams didn’t create a clear cut chance. Real Madrid changed gears in extra time as they had a couple of very good chances to score. Valencia were a constant danger on the counter but the score remained 1-1 as goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Giorgi Mamardashvili made a couple of really good saves each. 

Carlo Ancelotti chose the penalty takers based on experience as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio all scored their penalties. Valencia duo Eray Comert and Jose Gaya missed their spot kicks as Real Madrid won the contest. The Merengues wouldn’t be too happy with their performance but it’s a job done. They will have a chance to win their 2nd consecutive Spanish Super Cup title but their injury woes may come in the way of that. Eduardo Camavinga, Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal are all not fully fit ahead of the final.

Also read: Is Roberto Martinez the right choice for the Portugal national team?