A brace from reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or player of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to see UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid get a 2-0 win over Spanish rivals and Europa League holders Sevilla to lift the UEFA Super Cup this evening in Cardiff.

The match saw high profile signings James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos put up good displays on their competitive debuts for Real Madrid, but the spotlight eventually shone largely on Ronaldo who was presented with the man of the match award by Sir Alex Ferguson afterwards.

Having come close twice earlier in the half, the Portugese ace finally opened scoring on the half-hour mark, sprinting clear of his marker to meet a cross by Gareth Bale – playing in his home nation – and slide the ball in past Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.

Ronaldo made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half for a side whose starting XI cost in the region of £400m, firing a shot in from just inside the Sevilla box after being set up by French forward Karim Benzema.

The goal was Ronaldo’s 18th in 11 matches against Sevilla, the club the Potuguese forward has scored against more than any other in the Spanish top flight.

Real Madrid continued to dominate the match, with James Rodriguez forcing Beto to a one-hand save 20 minutes from time before Bale was denied in stoppage time as Real eased to a third title in 2014 following the Copa Del Rey and Champions League.

Speaking after the win, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated that ”We played very well overall, controlled the game.We were well balanced today and prevented Sevilla from really using their counterattacks.”

The Italian tactician also praised Rodriguez and Kroos for a good debut, adding that the club is entering a successful phase and its playing style would not change from the present.

Ancelotti also hinted that Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso may have to settle for less playing time this season due to the presence of Kroos in the squad, though he stressed that ”It will be important to use this squad in its entirety.”

On his part, Sevilla manager Unai Emery admitted Real Madrid were the better side when he stated that ”We knew Madrid were very strong. Their counters are deadly and those were effective today.”

The result from the Millenium Stadium means Real Madrid will represent Europe at the FIFA Club World Cup later this year in Morocco.