La Liga champions, Real Madrid fell to a surprising 2-1 defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday. The Spanish Super Cup has been expanded to accommodate the top two teams in the league and the finalists of the Copa del Rey. Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad in penalties in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Athletic Bilbao raced into a two goal lead at half-time, thanks to a Raul Garcia double, the second of which was a penalty kick. Real Madrid pulled one goal back through Karim Benzema, but were unable to find an equaliser. Athletic Bilbao will now face Barcelona in the final in Seville on Sunday January 17th.