Even without Ronaldo, Real Madrid still beat Barcelona and won the Super Cup.

Real won the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup 2-0, securing the title with an aggregate score of 5-1.

Goals in the second leg: Asensio 4', Benzema 39'

Real Madrid were not significantly affected by Ronaldo's suspension. Contrary to fans' concerns, the Bernabeu side continued to dominate the game and quickly took the lead. The game was decided in the fourth minute when Marco Asensio unleashed a left-footed shot from 30 meters, beating goalkeeper Ter Stegen.

Real Madrid celebrate after Asensio's opening goal. Photo: Reuters

Real's victory was further solidified when Benzema sealed the 2-0 win in the 38th minute. The French striker scored by receiving a low cross from Marcelo and comfortably volleying the ball from six meters out.

Compared to the first leg, Barca played with less precision. The visiting team's midfield barely controlled the ball in the first half, and their attacks appeared disjointed and lacked coordination.

Besides the pressure from the fans and the scoreline, Barca's poor performance may also stem from the early goal conceded. Before the score was even decided, the visitors had to bring the ball back to the halfway line after an unexpected situation. Asensio's long-range shot left both the Barca defense and goalkeeper Ter Stegen helpless, extending the lead to 4-1.

Besides objective reasons, the new 3-5-2 formation also didn't "favor" Barca. The midfield, consisting of five players – Jordi Alba, Andre Gomes, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, and Sergi Roberto – only dominated in numbers but failed to put pressure on Real's goal. With just the trio of Modric, Kovacic, and Kroos, the home team not only found ways to break through but also combined effectively with the attacking line.

Had the post not saved Barca from conceding a goal, the score could have been 2-0 even before Benzema scored. Winger Lucas Vazquez was the one who missed, his shot from 15 meters hitting the left post.

Vazquez was also a starter in Real's attack. Besides accepting Ronaldo's absence, coach Zidane also kept Bale on the bench for the entire match. Another star, Isco, also didn't play, while Casemiro only came on in the 62nd minute.

Barca only improved their situation in the second half. The combinations between Messi and Suarez gradually became more dangerous and forced Real's defense to work hard.

With a bit more luck, Barca could have scored at least one goal. Messi missed a chance in the 52nd minute when his shot hit the crossbar and bounced out. Then, in the 71st minute, after Messi's long-range shot was deflected by goalkeeper Navas, Suarez rushed in to head the rebound, but the ball hit the post instead of going into the net.

With a 2-0 victory in the second leg, Real Madrid finished the 2017 Spanish Super Cup with a 5-1 aggregate score. This was Real Madrid's tenth Super Cup title, just two short of Barcelona's record.

According to VNE