Italian master tactician Carlo Ancelotti, who is now managing the second stint of his Real Madrid career, has made the history books by becoming the first coach from the Italian peninsula to win the Spanish Super Cup, as Los Blancos cruised to a 2-0 victory over Basque heavyweights Athletic Club.
5 – Carlo @MrAncelotti has won his fifth title as @realmadriden boss and the first one in the Spanish Supercopa, becoming in the first Italian manager to lift the trophy in the competition history. Signore. pic.twitter.com/qAwVCrmSjY
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 16, 2022
The domestic cup title, played out in Saudi Arabia, is the only title that was missing from the Milan legend’s Spanish portfolio. During his first two seasons at Madrid – from 2013 to 2015 – Ancelotti captured the UEFA Champions League, Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, but failed to capitalize on the 2014 Supercopa de Espana, falling 2-1 to Atletico Madrid on aggregate over two legs.
However, the 62-year-old manager’s fortunes were different this time around as his team put up a spirited display against Bilbao and squeezed a comfortable win in Riyadh.
The record European champions went ahead through Luka Modric’s belter just before half-time, before French marksman Karim Benzema doubled his team’s lead with a second half penalty. Although Bilbao pushed back, they were hurt by Thibaut Courtois’ brilliant penalty save from Raul Garcia’s shot in the dying minutes – failing to take advantage of Eder Militao’s dismissal from a handball in the box.
For Mr.Ancelotti, La Liga seems to be the only elusive title so far. Nevertheless, he has made a strong statement since his return to the Santiago Bernabeu, guiding them to the pedestal of the Spanish standings mid-way through the season and in the driving seat for their 35th championship title.
Carlo Ancelotti has now won five trophies as Real Madrid manager:
? 2013/14 Copa del Rey
? 2013/14 Champions League
? 2013/14 Club World Cup
? 2013/14 UEFA Super Cup
? 2021/22 Supercopa de EspanaLaLiga is the only one missing. ? pic.twitter.com/WU09hO8t5e
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 16, 2022
The legendary Fabio Capello was the last and the only Italian manager to lead Real Madrid to the La Liga title – twice in 1996/97 and a decade later in 2006/07. He however, missed out on the chance to grab the Spanish Super Cup during his managerial days.