Real Madrid outclass Manchester United to retain Super Cup

Skopje, August 9: Casemiro and Isco goals helped Real Madrid retain the Super Cup, in their 2-1 victory against Manchester United as Romelu Lukaku's first competitive goal for United brought the encounter to a gripping finale.

Jose Mourinho's men started brightly enough as they looked to win the competition for just the second time, only for a promising start to fizzle out as Zinedine Zidane's side showed their strength.

Casemiro's header off the crossbar was a warning that Mourinho's men failed to see as the Brazilian tucked home a fine Dani Carvajal pass.

🏆🙌 #CH4MPIONS
UEFA SUPER CUP WINNERS!

FT: #RealMadrid 2-1 @ManUtd (@Casemiro 24', @isco_alarcon 52'; Lukaku 62').#RMMovistar #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/asTfUR8BYJ

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 8, 2017

Isco turned home after United's defence was split open and Gareth Bale rattled the crossbar as Madrid continued in the ascendancy after the break, before Lukaku atoned for a poor earlier miss by scoring from close range.

Substitute Marcus Rashford and goalkeeper David De Gea impressed as United fought valiantly for a leveller that was not be for them at the Philip II National Arena, where the Los Blancos held on for their fourth Super Cup.

🏆🙌 #CH4MPIONS! pic.twitter.com/0GhlEFZffY

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 8, 2017

The regular defenders missing the tie through suspension and injury undoubtedly hurt United.

The second goal for Real arrived in the 52nd minute as Isco played a lovely one-two with Bale, as he was sent through on goal and curled it past compatriot De Gea.

Mourinho looked to turn things around and introduced Marouane Fellaini to join the first half substitute Rashford, but Real Madrid looked in control as ex-Spurs players Luka Modric and Bale were both denied in their attempts on goal.

Navas' blunder allowed United to pull one back as the Madrid goalkeeper was unable to deal with a powerful drive from range by new signing Nemanja Matic as fellow debutant Lukaku capitalized to score one.

The tie had a thrilling end to it and, after another drinks break, a fine Henrikh Mkhitaryan pass put through Rashford, only to be denied by an uncertain Navas on the night.

Cristiano Ronaldo was called on by Zidane as United continued to push for an equalizer, While, Fellaini saw a header saved just moments before Marco Asensio's effort was stopped by De Gea at the other end in injury time.