Atletico beat rivals Real to win Spanish Super Cup

Mario Mandzukic scored his first goal for Atletico Madrid who overcame star-studded city rivals Real to win the Spanish Super Cup 2-1 on aggregate.

Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Atletico shaded a tight game on home soil to ensure there was no repeat of Real’s success in the UEFA Champions League final at the end of last season.

Copa del Rey winners Real made three changes to their line-up from the first leg, bringing in James Rodriguez following his goal off the substitutes’ bench at the Bernabeu, but it was another summer signing who made the early breakthrough as Mandzukic fired La Liga champions Atletico in front after just two minutes.

It came from a long ball from goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya and Real’s defence switched off as Antoine Griezmann flicked it on, giving Croatian striker Mandzukic the chance to strike a crisp finish past Iker Casillas.

James Rodriguez had Real's best chances with two shots that flew past the post. The Colombia World Cup star, who scored in the first leg, also had an effort pushed away by keeper Miguel Angel Moya and headed wide.

Rodriguez lost his marker to head a Luka Modric cross wide but the Colombian caught the eye with some exquisite touches and played in Gareth Bale, who shot narrowly wide following a flowing move.

Raul Garcia forced a decent save from Casillas from long range and then spurned a chance to double Atletico’s lead from the corner as he headed over, before Rodriguez curled an effort just off target at the other end in the dying second of the first half.

Carlo Ancelotti decided to bring on Cristiano Ronaldo for Toni Kroos at the interval, but it was Atletico who started the second half stronger as they had in the first.

Real also ended the night with 10 men when midfielder Luka Modric was shown a second yellow for clattering into Cristian Rodriguez in stoppage time.

Atletico came close to adding more, with Raul Garcia - arguably the man of the match - going close on three occasions, the best of which was a header that came off the bar.

Atletico's coach Simeone, who spent much of the match marching back and forth in the stands, has now guided the Rojiblancos to Spanish league title, the Europa League, Copa del Rey and Uefa Super Cup during his three years in charge.