Real Madrid lifted the European Super Cup for second time after beating Europa League holders Sevilla 2-0 in Cardiff reports Jamie Currie.

Two goals, one in either half, courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo gave Madrid the victory, upstaging hometown boy Gareth Bale and new recruit James Rodriguez in the process.

Los Blancos started the game with their new-look front four of James Rodríguez, Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema lacking fluidity. The best of the chances before the half-hour were merely blocked shots from Ronaldo and Bale.

Madrid almost took the lead after a lightning-quick counter-attack. Rodríguez’s back-post delivery fell nicely for Ronaldo but his effort was blocked by promising youngster Denis Suárez .

Sevilla weren’t without an attacking threat. Iker Casillas had to make a smart stop from Vitolo after some slack defending by Dani Carvajal.

Not long after, Sevilla’s defence was called into action when Coentrão’s cross beat Beto and had to be headed off the line by Fazio.

Just minutes later, Beto had to deny Ronaldo. Kroos’ cross-field pass to Benzema was delicious and the Frenchman’s short pass into the feet of Ronaldo was equally as good. Ronaldo turned his man before being halted by Beto.

Beto was then left picking the ball out of his net on the half-hour mark. James Rodríguez’s fantastic cross from the left-hand side was converted from close range via Ronaldo’s Orange boot.

Ten minutes before half time, Madrid had to count on Casillas making a sharp save. The captain had to stop Carriço after Bacca won the ball from Sergio Ramos on the by-line.

Just after the restart, Madrid’s dominance continued. Ronaldo got his second after firing a shot across Beto, who got a hand to it, but it was just too hard for him to keep out.

As the second goal from Ronaldo killed the game, Madrid looked for the third. Benzema forced Beto into a smart low save, and not long after, the keeper had to be alert again to deny Rodríguez.

Madrid then turned on the style towards the end. A magnificent one-touch, flowing move ended in Modrić firing his shot over the crossbar.

The closing ten minutes were all Sevilla going forward looking for a consolation. They couldn’t get it, even after a flurry of corners.

It’s a good way to start the season for Ancelotti’s men, with Ronaldo proving he’s still the main man following the big-name summer arrivals.

TEAMS

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Coentrão (Marcelo 84’); Kroos, Modrić (Illarramendi 86’); Bale, Rodriguez (Isco 72’) Ronaldo; Benzema.

Goals: Ronaldo 30’ 49’.

Bookings: Carvajal 45’ Kroos 53’.

Sent off: None.

Sevilla: Beto; Coke (Diogo Figueiras 66’), Fazio, Pareja, Navarro; Krychowiak, Carriço; Vitolo, Suárez (Reyes 78’), Aleix Vidal (Iago Aspas 66’); Bacca. 

Goals: None

Bookings: Vitolo 42’ Navarro 66’.

Sent off: None.

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