Casemiro puts Real Madrid ahead with stunning volley

Casemiro gave Real Madrid a one goal lead in the 24th minute against Manchester United in the Super Cup.

Casemiro is picking up right where he left off last season, following his spectacular goal in the Champions League final with another beauty today. In a battle between the Champions League winners, Real Madrid, and the Europa League winners, Manchester United, Casemiro drew first blood after only 24 minutes of play.

After a quite unfortunate headed clearance by Chris Smalling, the ball fell right to the feet of right-back Dani Carvajal. Carvajal picked his head up and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Casemiro. Alarmingly unmarked, Casemiro calmly tucked the ball into the far corner past De Gea’s outstretched leg. Undoubtedly, Casemiro’s finish was incredible, but he was all alone in the United box and should have finished that more often than not.

Real Madrid dominated play for the most part of the first half. Maintaining possession, which against United is not too hard to do with how much they sit back, Madrid created several chances. United absorbed the pressure, but one lapse in defending led to an early lead for the Spanish giants.

All of this is coming without their best player in Cristiano Ronaldo. However, he is set to make an appearance in the second half. United will need to pressure more and play with more urgency if they want to equalize. Otherwise, Madrid will cruise to an easy victory.

Next: Top 25 players in Champions League history

Will Ronaldo’s entrance see another goal or two for the Champions League champs? Or will United claw back into it with an equalizer?