Messi thwarted by the Atlético Madrid rearguard

So, the final of the 2020 Spanish Super Cup will feature both teams, that according to Ernesto Valverde had no right to be present in Jeddah as they had failed to secure a domestic title during the previous season. The irony of football! If Luis Rubiales was looking to showcase Spanish football on a global platform, then it has to be admitted that he has succeeded. Despite Wednesday's game being a little pedestrian as Valencia failed to offer a solid contest to Real Madrid, last night's match was as good as the game gets with a dramatic comeback, a sterling display from Messi, countless VAR interventions and all the emotion that only football can serve up. It really was a game to savour.

Messi frustration

A sinopsis of the game would suggest that Messi did all he could but ultimately failed to get past a solid Atlético defense who frustrated the Argentine who left the field on the losing side. The Barcelona captain tried his best but saw how his side managed to take the lead and could only watch as, with the scoreline at 2-1, Atlético launched three attacks on the Barcelona goal with two ultimately ending in a goal for the side from the capital and the other attempt saw Neto saving an effort from Llorente who managed to cut through the Barcelona rearguard with an ease that will be a cause of concern for Barça boss Ernest Valvede.

Madrid derby

This game could have worrying repercussions for the Basque coach with many pointing out than when Barça win it's thanks to Messi and when they lose, the fault is found to lie with Ernesto Valverde. That theory, to be fair could not be applied to the game in Jeddah as Messi did all he could in his powers but he found himself up against an inspired Jan Oblak and saw VAR rule out two goals for the Catalan side with the scoreline at 2-1. When Atlético did manage to foray into the opposition half, what they did find was an incredible passive Barcelona rearguard. So, the Super Cup final will be a Madrid derby on the banks of the Red Sea, a mouthwatering prospect whatever way you look at things.