MADRID, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Two goals in extra-time gave Atletico Madrid a 4-2 win over neighbors, Real Madrid to win the European Supercup on Wednesday night. As well as giving Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui something to think about after he became the first Madrid coach since the 1940's to see his side concede 4 goals on his competitive debut, it also taught us some things with the new La Liga Santander season just around the corner.
1. Ronaldo was missed
Lopetegui tried to put a brave face on things and said he didn't think the result would affect Real Madrid's transfer policy, but the fact is that Cristiano Ronaldo was missed in Tallin. Although Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema combined to give Real Madrid their opening goal and Marco Asensio showed some nice touches, the presence of the Portuguese international, who joined Juventus in July, would have given Real Madrid more options in attack and helped to break the Atletico Madrid defense.
Ronaldo isn't coming back, but expect to see Real try and sign a 'number 9' before the end of the month.
2. Casemiro is vital to Real Madrid
It's also worth noting that three of Atletico's goals came after Real Madrid's central midfielder Casemiro left the pitch with a muscle injury and was replaced by Dani Ceballlos. At the time of Cesemiro's injury Real Madrid were leading 2-1 and looking set for the title, but Ceballos is a totally different type of player to Casemiro, and without the Brazilian, the Real Madrid defense was exposed by Atletico's pace from midfield.
Casemiro is perhaps the least stylish of the Real midfielders, but in many ways his defensive abilities make him the most important and with Mateo Kovacic out on loan to Chelsea he has no substitute.
3. Atletico Madrid: same story, but better
While Real Madrid are left to reflect on their problems, Atletico can celebrate a deserved triumph and one which shows coach Diego Simeone isn't going to vary his tried and trusted plan.
Atletico were happy to cede the ball and look to hit Real Madrid on the break, but the fact that Diego Costa is now fully fit means they have an extra weapon in attack. Costa was outstanding on Wednesday, bullying the Real Madrid defense and scoring his side's first two goals. Although Antoine Griezmann was clearly lacking match fitness, the partnership between the pair is something to have Atletico fans licking their lips in anticipation.
4. Lemar hits the ground running
Rather than Griezmann, it was another Frenchman: Thomas Lemar who stole the spotlight for Atletico on Wednesday. The forward who was signed from Monaco over the summer enjoyed a stunning debut, playing across the Atletico attack and causing Real Madrid endless problems with his control, agility and willingness to take them on.
It is still early days, but Lemar looks as if he could add another exciting attacking dimension to a side that already looks to be well armed up front.