Cristiano Ronaldo had a night to savour in Cardiff after he scored both goals to secure UEFA Super Cup glory for Real Madrid -- and then received his man-of-the-match award from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo's former boss at Manchester United said the Madrid star had "made it easy" for him at Cardiff City Stadium in terms of deciding the game's outstanding individual.
Ronaldo struck in each half against Sevilla to ensure a successful Wales homecoming for his teammate Gareth Bale as the star-studded Spanish giants won 2-0 and thrilled a capacity 33,500 crowd with their all-singing, all-dancing game.
Bale, who joined Madrid from Tottenham in a world record 100 million-euro deal last summer, also stamped his class on proceedings, delivering a precision cross from which Ronaldo scored his opener.
"It was my first official match this season, and I felt good," Ronaldo said. "I managed to score and that gave me confidence, and I am going to continue to work to improve my level.
"We realised it would be a complex game tonight, but we played well and created opportunities. We played with intensity, and we were justified winners, which is why we are taking the cup back home."
Ronaldo also paid tribute to Real's star summer signings Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez, who both enjoyed impressive run-outs.
"As I said, these are two crucial players for us. They helped the team win. We are happy to welcome them," he added. "Kroos and Rodriguez are integrating themselves well -- they are fantastic players.
"This was a trophy I wanted because I hadn't won it in my career. I was nervous to see how I would feel on the pitch, but I am happy because I scored twice."
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti paraded his awe-inspiring wealth of playing talent, with new arrivals Rodriguez and Kroos joining Bale and Ronaldo in a team captained by goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Although the Spanish domestic season does not start for almost another fortnight, Madrid already look in ominous form, suggesting they will not only challenge for another European crown but also seriously threaten Atletico Madrid's reign as La Liga champions.
Ancelotti said: "The team played very well, especially bearing in mind we didn't have much time to prepare. The game worked out pretty well.
"I think we might be starting a very important cycle. We have a squad of extraordinary quality -- I am fortunate to be able to coach an outstanding group of players.
"It's hard to improve this team. We have an outstanding set of players, and it is important to use the squad to its full capacity. To be competitive in all competitions we need to rotate players."
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