Real Madrid vs Eintracht Frankfurt

The 2022 UEFA Super Cup takes center stage as the opener to the heart of this season's European competition with last year's Champions League and Europa ...

Real Madrid are reliant on the presence of talismanic forward Karim Benzema to score goals, and their preseason matches were proof. Can Eintracht Frankfurt provide enough firepower to keep up with the high-flying Real Madrid machine? 14th min: Chance, Frankfurt! The first real test of the match for either goalkeeper, and Thibaut Courtois is up to the task! Carlo Ancelotti has developed a consistent starting lineup at Real Madrid over the last year, and it's unlikely that will change for this match. Congrats to Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr, and Ansgar Knauff! All three are in the starting lineup for today's match. That resulted in the opening goal, to which Frankfurt failed to respond. 33rd min: Finally, Madrid with a significant spell of attacking possession thanks to brilliant one-touch passing that carves the Frankfurt midfield up. Frankfurt could bring on new man Mario Gotze as an attacking reinforcement, but Daichi Kamada played well in the first half and it would be harsh to see him off so soon. 49th min: Sebastian Rode beautifully weaves through the Real Madrid midfield, but an eventual feed to Rafael Borre is out of reach. Frankfurt showing some signs of frustration as the referee blows his whistle for fouls in the other direction. 75th min: Frankfurt have a break down the right with Muani, but Casemiro defends spectacularly and ends the chance. Casemiro was the game’s best player, marauding all over the pitch to put a lid on the Frankfurt attack and provide some threat up front as well.

Minute-by-minute report: Will Real Madrid begin their season with another trophy in the cabinet? Join Rob Smyth to find out.

David Alaba gives Real the lead from the corner! Kross curled it towards the penalty spot, when Benzema won the ball in the air and looped it back towards Casemiro near the byline at the front post. Frankfurt started brightly, with Kamada missing an excellent chance, but Madrid imposed themselves as the half progressed. The end of an enjoyable first half in Helsinki. Madrid lead through David Alaba’s tap-in after 37 minutes, and the scoreline feels about right. He took it beautifully in his stride only to punch a drive just wide of the far post. Madrid begin the second half, with no changes on either side. There are a few new signings among the subs, including Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni and Mario Gotze. 57 min Frankfurt have had more of the ball since half time. 48 min Toure moves forward from the back and tries to find Borre in the area. 61 min: Casemiro hits the bar! Since they took the lead they have been very comfortable. He allowed the ball to run across his body and sidefooted a shot that went straight through Trapp. It wobbled slightly but Trapp should still have saved it; maybe he was unsighted.

Live updates from the UEFA Super Cup 2022 in Finland where winners of Champions League and Europa League meet.