Real Madrid's victory in a very Real Madrid-friendly Saudi Arabia

The omens were fulfilled and Real Madrid had no trouble in beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Saudi soil.

The King Fahd Stadium was once again packed for the final of the Spanish Super Cup and it was clear that Saudi Arabia and in particular Riyadh are madridistas. Florentino Pérez's team played at home. Barely a few Bilbao shirts could be seen.

The Saudi fans enjoyed the Madrid team and, above all, Luka Modric and his great goal. This time, Vinicius was not at a very high level in attack and was instead involved in defensive duties. Although it is true that Athletic's coach had set up a blockade on his flank.

But this was taken advantage of by Rodrygo who had a great game and continually tried and tried until he left a pass behind to the Croatian Modric for Luka to put it into the top corner.

Athletic put in a lot of desire and commitment, but the high pressing was not effective, as the great little Croatian player always found the way out of the maze, helped by Toni Kroos and the great touch of Alaba.

On a good counter in the 10th minute the Bilbao side complained of a possible penalty for a handball by Alaba, but the VAR certified that, according to the rule, when the ball went from touching the ball with the elbow, it was a natural action as he fell and rested his arm on the turf, it was not considered intentional.

Real Madrid, masterfully led by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, controlled the game throughout. Rodrygo was a dagger on the right assisted by Lucas Vázquez.

The combinations with Benzema were constant and it was only a matter of time before the first goal arrived. Athletic defended as best they could and waited for a counter attack with the speed of Iñaki Williams.

Muniain tried to direct his team's play, but they were hardly troubled by any long-range shots. 

In the 37th minute, Rodrygo was on the front foot once again, drew three Bilbao players and skilfully laid the ball off to Modric, who ran onto the ball and put it into the top corner of the net with his right foot, just out of the reach of goalkeeper Unai Simón.

The Athletic players were not giving up and Sancet received a good ball from Muniain, made space for himself and shot just wide of Thibaut Courtois' left-hand corner.

The first half was coming to an end with Real Madrid in total control, a goal and a couple of poor chances for Real Madrid and a penalty and a shot appealed for by the Bilbao side. Courtois did not have to make any saves.

The second half began with an attacking run by Lucas Vázquez who gave Karim Benzema the chance to shoot and Yeray, in his eagerness to cover, made contact with the ball with his elbow. The Frenchman converted the penalty safely. Unai Simón guessed the right side, but the strength and placement of the shot made his attempt useless.

From this point on, at 0-2 Madrid concentrated on controlling the ball and thinking about future games and Athletic attacked more with heart than skill.

The introduction of Nico Williams, Yuri Berchiche and Raúl García gave more direction to the Basque team's attack. Some fans pointed to the conservatism of the Basque team's coach Marcelino García Toral as the reason for the lack of attacking balance in the first half and part of the second.

In the 81st minute, Athletic Bilbao's first shot on target was easily saved by Courtois.

Madrid brought in Valverde and Marcelo. Ancelotti is clear that Hazard, Isco, Jovic and a few others are all past their best.

In the 85th minute Yuri made a good run down the left and put in a magnificent cross, Raúl García headed in and Militao intercepted with his arm. A clear penalty. What was not so clear was the sending off of the Madrid player. Jumping backwards, unintentionally, with several teammates and attackers next to him does not seem to be a clear goal-scoring situation. It was a clear penalty for intercepting with his arm, but the sending off was quite harsh. Perhaps the fact that it was in the 86th minute and at 0-2 influenced the decision.

There was a bit of excitement in a game that everyone thought was over, but this is football and until it is over you can't claim victory.

There were four minutes left plus stoppage time, 86 minutes, Madrid with 10 men and Raúl García, one of the most reliable penalty takers, could put 1-2 on the scoreboard. It would be Athletic's second shot on target in the entire match, if Raúl was on target.

And then, as their president said, the best goalkeeper in the world came up with an anthological save with his feet. He opted for his right side to save the penalty, but kept the advantage of his long legs to cover the goal.

Raúl García's fierce cross was met by the Belgian's left foot, who, still beaten to his right, kicked out the Navarrese player's shot with his foot. 

Thibaut Courtois came up when his team needed him most. If he is not the best in the world, he is currently the fittest goalkeeper in the world.

Athletic did not give up until the referee blew the final whistle. We don't know what game we would have seen if their coach had put out an attacking team. Iñaki Williams barely had a chance to surprise on one occasion. Probably a more eye-catching game for the fans. On the Atletico Madrid day it worked out well for him, but yesterday was not the case.

For their part, Real Madrid went about their business. Controlling the game and creating chances. Vinicius was very controlled, but Modric, Rodrygo and Benzema broke down the Basque defence.

Victory for the white team, Super Champions of Spain. Marcelo picks up the cup and continues to add titles, proving to be a great captain in the shadow of Mendy who never fails.

Success for Real Madrid for winning another title and for the number of supporters they have left in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia.

Success for the hosts for the organisation, the broadcast, the spectacle of Madrid-Barcelona and the great party yesterday.

And a success for the Royal Spanish Football Federation, which has earned a little money.

The Spanish fans, in particular those of the four teams involved, watched it on television. I don't know if they liked it.