Real Madrid stunned by the Basque club in the semi-finals of Spanish Super Cup
Real Madrid have been knocked out of the Spanish Super Cup after losing 2-1 to Athletic Club in the semi-finals.
Madrid took on the Basque club and the expectations were about El Clasico in the finals as Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad on penalties in the other semi-final.
However, Athletic Bilbao had a surprise for the defending La Liga champions as they were 2-0 up before the half-time whistle.
Raul Garcia struck a brace, with the first one coming from open play when he found himself at the receiving end of Dani Garcia’s pass before slotting past Thibaut Courtois. The second one came from the penalty spot after Lucas Vazquez’s foul on Inigo Martinez.
Madrid had a big role to play in both the goals as they were complacent in the defence, which is for the umpteenth time this season.
Karim Benzema responded with a goal before the start of the final quarter and when the Frenchman thought he had equalised for Madrid, VAR disallowed it due to offside.
Earlier, Athletic Club suffered a big defeat in the hands of Zinedine Zidane’s men in La Liga away fixture. Raul Garcia had his night cut short after he was sent off inside the first quarter while Benzema hit a double. The win in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final would serve as a payback to Madrid.
Madrid have missed a big opportunity to face their arch-rivals Barca in the finals nonetheless Athletic Bilbao deserved their shot.
