
New dawn —
Real Madrid met Sevilla in the Welsh capital Cardiff on Tuesday night to fight for the UEFA Super Cup crown, the traditional curtain raiser to the new European soccer season.

Kroos control —
It was the first glimpse of Germany's World Cup-winning midfielder Toni Kroos in the famous white of European Champions League holders Real. The 24-year-old signed from German champions Bayern Munich after his success in Brazil.

J-Rod —
Real's other high-profile acquisition was also on display -- James Rodriguez. The 23-year-old was top scorer at the World Cup as he led Colombia to the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time in its history.

Bale returns —
Gareth Bale, the world's most expensive player, was back in his hometown of Cardiff after a journey that has taken him from the English Premier League to La Liga in Spain.

The Real deal —
But as he so often is for Real, Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show. The world footballer of the year scored twice as Sevilla were beaten 2-0 to showcase how formidable Carlo Ancelotti's side might prove this season.

Silver service —
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas lifts the first trophy of Real's season, with another five on offer.