Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia the best in history: Expert

The first edition of the revamped Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was the best in the competition’s history, according to football expert José Félix Díaz, writing in the Marca sports newspaper.

“There is no doubt that Spanish football saw the best Super Cup ever,” said Díaz. “The Super Cup has been lacking in the excitement in past years, as it did last year when it was played in the summer without much excitement. [Spanish Football Federation President Luis] Rubiales took a step forward and invented a new tournament system that has caught the attention of everyone, even his critics.”

On Sunday, Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in a penalty shootout to win the first edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia following a goalless draw after extra time in a tense final.

“Real Madrid return home with a new title, 11 million euros, and a blow to the morale of those who remained behind,” wrote Díaz.

Díaz wrote that the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia was a resounding success. “About 160,000 fans attended the King Abdullah Stadium. Women were also able to attend the matches completely freely, something that has not happened so far in a country that is still taking steps to open slowly but continuously. Football has contributed to that openness and now it seems that there is a willingness to change.”

“Many described Luis Rubiales as crazy when he began developing this idea. Today, everyone – including the defeated Barcelona club – is satisfied with the idea, the project, and everything indicates that the model will be copied. Some expected organizational failure, less public presence, and less interest from teams, but the reality was completely different,” he wrote.

Luis Rubiales said that “the coaches, the bosses, and the players told me they loved it,” according to Díaz.

“The organizing committee of the Spanish Football Federation received a rating of 10,” wrote Díaz. “It was not easy when you went against customs and methods of doing business.”