Spanish Super Copa, Vicente Calderon - Atletico Madrid 1 (Mandzukic 2') Real Madrid 0 (2-1 on aggregate)
Raul Garcia's last-gasp goal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday had put Atletico into a strong position, though it required a first home win against Real since June 1999 to secure the first trophy of Spain's season.
The home side got off to a dream start at the Vicente Calderon on Friday, with Mandzukic opening his account for the club with the Supercopa's quickest ever goal, coming just 81 seconds into the contest.
Miguel Angel Moya dove low to his right to superbly deny James Rodriguez 23 minutes in after fine work on the edge of the area from Daniel Carvajal.
Garcia again curled wide, though Ronaldo began to come to life around the hour mark, blasting a 30-yarder down Moya's throat.
A typically ill-tempered clash saw a raging Diego Simeone dismissed from the touchline only 26 minutes in.
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared despite picking up an injury in the first leg, but the Portuguese's presence could not inspire Real back into the match, and Luka Modric's late sending off summed up its frustrations.
For Atletico, the triumph brings the fifth trophy of Simeone's reign and makes up for last season's Supercopa loss to Barcelona.
With Ronaldo fit enough only for the bench, the absence of Angel Di Maria and Sami Khedira from Ancelotti's squad was noteworthy as both midfielders itch for a move before the transfer window slams shut.
Atletico paired preseason signings Antoine Griezmann and Mandzukic in attack for the first time.
And the partnership reaped instant reward just 81 seconds in as the Frenchman pounced on slack marking from Sergio Ramos to give Mandzukic the simple task of beating Iker Casillas one-on-one.
Atletico Madrid went some way to avenging the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, with Mario Mandzukic’s second minute goal sealing a 1-0 win for Diego Simeone’s men.
The Croatian striker split the Real defence to fire past Iker Casillas and net the quickest goal in Super Copa history just 81 seconds into the game, with the first silverware of the Spanish season heading to the Vicente Calderon.
The performance went some way to answering questions over Atleti’s title credentials this season, with so many key figures leaving the club over the summer.
New signing Mandzukic was a handful for the Real defence all night, with Antoine Griezmann also impressing in his first home start as an Atleti player. But it was Raul Garcia who caught the eye most, with the attacker coming within a crossbar’s width of scoring an outstanding second goal after the break.
Angel Di Maria and Sami Khedira were both left out of Real’s matchday squad, with speculation linking them with moves away from the Bernabeu. However, James Rodriguez was handed a start in attack alongside Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the starting lineup but played the second half, largely failing to impose himself to the contest with the winger clearly struggling through injury. And Los Blancos ended the game with ten men following the stoppage time dismissal of Luka Modric.
Ronaldo emerged from the bench at half-time, but Atletico went close early on in the second half as Garcia's flick bounced onto the goalline and was eventually scrambled clear.
As the Portuguese and Bale saw vociferous penalty appeals waved away, Real grew frustrated and Atletico sensed the chance to strike.
First Koke launched a swerving effort inches over Casillas' crossbar before Griezmann dragged across goal after a rapid breakaway.
A Real onslaught failed to materialize as poor touches from Bale and Ronaldo in the final third saw late openings fizzle into nothing and Modric was dismissed after a late challenge on substitute Cristian Rodriguez.
And Atletico held on for an impressive victory, starting the season in supreme fashion as it looks to prove last season's title win was no fluke.
MAN OF THE MATCH – Raul Garcia
The evolution of Garcia under Simeone has been fascinating. Originally used as a wide player, the 28-year-old is now most effective as something of a second striker, where he brings relentless energy and intensity behind the central striker. Real Madrid couldn't deal with him and was unfortunate not to find the net.
What are your thoughts on the match? Do you think the lack of squad depth may effect Real Madrid this campaign? Do Atletico still look like the same & effective without the key players who were sold?
