Short-handed Madrid stun Valencia

Nine-man Real Madrid CF produced a remarkable recovery to edge Valencia CF 6-5 on aggregate at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the Spanish Super Cup.

Silva strike
The Spanish champions were 3-2 down after the first meeting of the sides and their hunt for an eighth Super Cup success suffered another setback when Copa del Rey winners Valencia increased their advantage with a strike from David Silva shortly after the half-hour mark.

First dismissal
Summer signing Rafael van der Vaart was dismissed for Bernd Schuster's side just before the break to add to their frustrations but their hopes were raised when his Dutch compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy equalised shortly after the restart from the penalty spot.

Astounding response
But when the goalscorer was dismissed to leave Madrid with nine men, their chances seemed to evaporate. They somehow contrived to score three times in the final 13 minutes, though, despite their significant numerical disadvantage with strikes from Sergio Ramos, Rubén de la Red and Gonzalo Higuaín rendering Fernando Morientes' effort futile for Unai Emery's charges.