In a night of high drama at Trondheim’s Lerkendal Stadion, Dani Carvajal etched his name into Real Madrid folklore with a 119th-minute winner against Sevilla, clinching Los Blancos’ second UEFA Super Cup in three years. This Six6s exclusive analysis dives deeper than the 3-2 scoreline, revealing how Zinedine Zidane’s tactical adjustments and Sevilla’s defensive collapse shaped this modern classic.
A Tale of Two Halves: Sevilla’s Resilience vs Madrid’s Firepower
The Champions League winners started brightly, with 20-year-old Marco Asensio announcing himself on the big stage. His 30-yard thunderbolt (21′) – Madrid’s longest-range goal in a UEFA final since Zidane’s 2002 volley – showcased why Six6s scouts rate him as Spain’s next superstar.
Yet Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla responded with characteristic grit. Franco Vázquez’s equalizer (41′) exposed Madrid’s defensive vulnerability to quick transitions, a recurring theme under Zidane according to Six6s tactical database.
The Ramos Redemption Arc
The second half turned into a psychological thriller:
- Konoplyanka’s penalty (72′) after Ramos fouled Vitolo
- Ramos’ 93rd-minute header – his 10th career goal in stoppage time
- Kolodziejczak’s needless sending off (93’+3)
Ramos: From villain to hero in 21 minutes
“Ramos’ leadership changed the game’s momentum,” noted Six6s analyst Michael Townsend. “His aerial threat forced Sevilla into defensive errors that ultimately cost them the match.”
Extra-Time Masterclass: How Madrid Exploited the Man Advantage
With Sevilla reduced to 10 men, Zidane’s substitutions proved decisive:
- 74% possession in extra time
- 12 shots to Sevilla’s 1
- Carvajal‘s marauding runs from right-back
The winning goal was a microcosm of Madrid’s identity under Zidane – relentless pressing (Carvajal stealing possession) combined with technical brilliance (the delicate chip over Rico).
What This Means for La Liga’s Title Race
With Barcelona watching closely, several key takeaways emerged:
- Asensio’s Emergence: The youngster completed more dribbles (5) than any player, suggesting Madrid may not need to rush Ronaldo back.
- Sevilla’s Potential: Despite defeat, Sampaoli’s aggressive pressing (22 tackles to Madrid’s 14) shows they’ll challenge for top four.
- Set-Piece Dominance: 40% of Madrid’s goals under Zidane have come from dead balls – a worrying trend for La Liga defenses.
Six6s Verdict: While the Super Cup is often dismissed as a glorified friendly, this victory proves Madrid’s winning mentality remains intact. For Sevilla, it’s their third straight Super Cup defeat – a psychological hurdle Sampaoli must address before their La Liga opener.
Will this victory propel Madrid to another historic season? Share your thoughts below and follow Six6s for more in-depth tactical analyses throughout the campaign.
