Despite a challenging start to 2023, the defending Super Cup champions weren’t at their best once more. However, Courtois shone, making crucial saves and then firmly turning away Jose Gaya in the shootout.
Madrid’s next opponent will be either Thursday’s opponents Real Betis or Barcelona.
Spanish Cup runner-up Real Madrid, the La Liga champions, had opportunities to win the match within the first 90 minutes, but Courtois’ incredible reflex stop on Fran Perez forced extra time.
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Despite criticism over the hosts’ human rights record, the Spanish Super Cup will continue to be played in Saudi Arabia until at least 2029. The tournament’s first “final four” edition took place there in 2020.
With David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni out with recent injuries, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti started with Nacho at left back and added Fede Valverde to the midfield trio.
Benzema had a beautiful dribble to start Los Blancos off, but Cenk Ozkacar did superbly to cut him off and stop the French striker from shooting.
Courtois stopped Edinson Cavani’s header and then stopped Toni Lato, who sprinted in from the right and unsuccessfully sought for a penalty after slipping.
Eder Militao’s excellent pass over the top that allowed Benzema to advance gave Madrid the lead just before halftime.
Eray Comert accidentally knocked the forward to the ground in the area, and the forward tucked away the ensuing penalty, sending Valencia goalkeeper