HELSINKI (Kyodo) — Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada had a fine game but could not prevent the Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt from losing the UEFA Super Cup 2-0 Wednesday to Champions League winners Real Madrid.
Kamada had Frankfurt’s best chance at Helsinki Olympic Stadium when he was played through on goal in the 14th minute, but his low left-footed effort was saved by keeper Thibaut Courtois before Real netted in each half.
The Spanish giants went ahead in the 37th minute after a corner when Casemiro headed the ball back into the path of David Alaba to tap in. Karim Benzema side-footed Vinicius Junior’s pass to double the lead in the 65th minute.
Kamada, top scorer for Frankfurt in last season’s Europa League with five goals, was comfortable facing his world-class counterparts after starting the game as an attacking midfielder before switching to more defensive duties towards the end.
Former Japan captain Makoto Hasebe remained on Frankfurt’s bench as Real won the title for the fifth time.
.