Xtra Time Web Desk : Real Madrid on Sunday won their first silverware of the season as they defeated rivals Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in a thrilling final with goals from Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.
It was a nail biting clash in Riyadh as Real Madrid locked horns with Athletic Bilbao in what was an end to end affair in terms of football. Los Blancos on one hand entered the final after a 3-2 win over arch rivals Barcelona, Bilbao on the other hand were fresh in after defeating Atletico Madrid in the semi finals of the tournament.
Though, Real had more possession of the ball and were pressing well from the start of the match, Bilbao were putting in a resilient fight. And Real’s pressing finally beared fruits when they took the lead on the 38th minute through midfield maestro Luka Modric. The first half ended with the scoreline being 1-0 in Madrid’s favour.
In the second half too, both teams played entertaining football but Los Blancos doubled their lead on the 52 minute mark from the penalty spot as their star striker Karim Benzema added yet another goal to his tally this season.
However, Bilbao after this came all guns blazing at Carlo Ancelotti’s team and finally got their reward when they got a penalty towards the end of regulation time’s play. But experienced Raul Garcia failed to convert the penalty as Los Blancos’ goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a brilliant reflex save to deny him score from the spot which eventually led Real Madrid to their first silverware this season.