Atlético edge underdogs in front

Club Atlético de Madrid's 2-0 victory against FC Internazionale Milano in the UEFA Super Cup means challengers from UEFA's second club competition now have the edge over the European champions in overall victories in the competition: 18-17.

Since 2003 the name inscribed on the UEFA Super Cup has alternated between the winners of the two competitions. The cycle continued at Stade Louis II on Friday, with UEFA Europa League winners Atlético edging out the Nerazzurri thanks to second-half goals from José Antonio Reyes and Sergio Agüero.

Having triumphed with Liverpool in 2005, Inter coach Rafael Benítez missed out on the chance to become only the third coach – after Sir Alex Ferguson and Louis van Gaal – to win it with different clubs. The competition has touched Europe from east to west, with 15 nations having been involved in the playing of the UEFA Super Cup.

Only seven clubs have triumphed more than once – AC Milan, Liverpool, AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, RSC Anderlecht, Valencia CF and Juventus. Atlético are the 23rd club to lift the famous silverware, while Inter are still searching for a first triumph.