Real Madrid give Eintracht Frankfurt a lesson in quality in the Champions League

By Samindra Kunti in Helsinki

August 11 - In imperious form, Real Madrid kicked off the European club season with a routine 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt to clinch a fifth Continental Super Cup and make a statement ahead of the Champions League .

Against the Europa League winners, Madrid started where they left off last season: with Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois' remarkable saves preventing both Daichi Kamada and Ansgar Knauff from scoring; Luka Modric and Toni Kroos dictate the game from midfield and Vinicius Junior, often adrift, and Karim Benzema opening the opponents' baseline.

It's not that Frankfurt was without quality. The club conquered the Europa League last season, knocking out both FC Barcelona and West Ham United and beating Rangers on penalties in the competition's showpiece game. The Germans have largely kept their squad together and can look forward to Champions League football in September. It's just that when you're playing against the big guys, team spirit, organization and a raucous fan base may not be enough.

Madrid, once again, showed what it takes to win. In the 37th minute, David Alaba opened the scoring with a simple tap-in after Madrid's pressure increased.

"We didn't need this match to reaffirm and know that we have a serious and motivated team," commented Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti during a press conference.

"After Alaba's first goal, we controlled the game well. It's worth pointing out that at the back we're very solid. We haven't conceded in the last three finals we've played. "

After the break, Courtois, less tested by the Frankfurt attackers, protected his clean sheet. It was the inevitable Benzema who got Madrid a second to put the game out of reach for the Germans and uphold their proud record of not being defeated in European club finals since 1981.

Ancelotti praised his striker: "Benzema was really important to win the Champions League. He scored three goals against City, Chelsea and PSG. No doubt he is the best right now. "

For the past decade, Madrid have been the best team in Europe. Their latest victory in Helsinki leaves no doubt that they could once again be top contenders when the Champions League kicks off in September.

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1660270444labto1660270444ofdlr1660270444owedi1660270444sni@i1660270444tnuk.1660270444ardni1660270444mas1660270444. Photos by Stephen Gormley.