Away-goal keeps Atletico in the hunt

James Rodriguez scores but Real Madrid held to a 1-1 draw at home in the first-leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

Garcia scored the equaliser two minutes from time [REUTERS]

Atletico Madrid’s Raul Garcia netted a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup first-leg after substitute James Rodriguez had opened the scoring with 10 minutes left.

Colombian Rodriguez, who came on for the injured Cristiano Ronaldo at halftime, thought he had won the game when he slotted the ball into the net but there was still time for Garcia to head home two minutes from time.

Ronaldo was having a quiet game before going off at the break as a precaution due to a pain his left leg.

There was little of the flair that saw Real beat Sevilla in European Super Cup a week ago and, although there were several new names in the Atletico side from last season, they maintained the same solidity that saw them win La Liga.

Atletico host Real in the return leg at the Calderon on Friday where they will be seeking revenge for their defeat in the Champions League final by their city rivals.

“There is everything to play for now. I got the goal but it could have been anyone in the team. We now have another match at home and the chance of lifting a trophy,” Garcia told reporters.

Real midfielder Xabi Alonso said Atletico were favourites.

“They were compact and very difficult to play against. We did our best,” he told reporters. “We have to go now to their stadium and score a goal which puts them in the driving seat.”

Source: Reuters