Julen Lopetegui's era at Real Madrid kicked off on the wrong foot, and fans have reason to miss Zinedine Zidane more than ever.
The Spanish boss seemed overwhelmed by Atlético's performances, failing to make proper changes during the course of the game. Disappointing mistakes in defense saw Los Blancos conceding two goals in extra time, dooming their chances of winning a third UEFA Super Cup in a row.
To make matters worse, it seems that Lopetegui will not have it easy to make fans forget about "Zizou", mainly because two stats that have emerged right after the game.
4 - Julen Lopetegui is the first Real Madrid manager to concede four or more goals in his first competitive game in charge since Michael Keeping against Celta Vigo in February 1948. Stunned. pic.twitter.com/OYoLspZgO5
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 15, 2018
"Real Madrid never conceded four goals in a single game while coached by Zidane (149 games)"
Real Madrid no recibió 4 goles en un solo partido con Zinedine Zidane como DT (149 partidos). pic.twitter.com/e2KUktfNr7
— ESPN Datos (@ESPNDatos) August 15, 2018
And of course, there's Zidane's flawless record as Real Madrid boss in European finals.
Zinedine Zidane's record in finals as Real Madrid manager:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 15, 2018
WWWWWWWW
Julen Lopetegui's record in finals as Real Madrid manager:
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Tough act to follow. pic.twitter.com/agZSauSv4y