Casemiro Says Real Madrid Missed Cristiano Ronaldo in Super Cup Loss to Atletico

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has said the team missed the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo in their UEFA Super Cup loss on Wednesday.

The UEFA Champions League winners were beaten 4-2 after extra time by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

While Real's main issues in the match did appear to be defensive, Casemiro conceded Ronaldo, who moved to Juventus this summer, was a significant absence, per Marca (h/t Football Espana).

"Of course, we missed Cristiano Ronaldo, this is natural," said the Brazilian. "We cannot hide from the fact we missed him, any team in the world would miss a player of his quality when he leaves. But this is a situation that is in the past and our squad is not better nor worse because of it. New signings? That is not a decision that is up to me."

While two of Madrid's other senior figures—Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos—scored key goals in the contest, it wouldn't have been a surprise if those in the all-white jerseys were looking for Ronaldo during the game, as he's a figure steeped in Los Blancos' history.

In his nine years at the club, Ronaldo won the Champions League four times, became Madrid's all-time top goalscorer and was renowned for his big-game pedigree. 

This image summed up how the Juventus man may have been feeling watching the contest:

There were times when Madrid's attack did function well against Atletico. Benzema provided a focal point, while Marco Asensio and Isco buzzed between the lines in support. Gareth Bale always appeared capable of producing something special, as he pulled off an excellent cross for Real's opening goal.

Overall, it wasn't the final third where Real toiled most. The team lacked control in midfield, with Luka Modric only ready to be on the bench. The back four all appeared jaded, too.

Raphael Varane, who was imperious for France at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was uncharacteristically poor, while Ramos wasn't at his commanding best alongside him. 

Per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC, Ronaldo had pedigree in these high-stakes matches, and there appears to be a number of holes in the European champions' squad at the moment:

"

Mayoral for Toni Kroos as Madrid look for another equaliser shows how Madrid really need to add a few more senior players this window.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 15, 2018"

Despite this loss, Lopetegui would have seen some positive signs from his players and will be hopeful the team will improve in the weeks to come, starting on Sunday against Getafe in La Liga.

The entire back four featured in the knockout stages of the World Cup, and as such, they may take some time to get up to speed. Thibaut Courtois is also a shrewd signing between the sticks; many would argue Keylor Navas should have done more to prevent Diego Costa's early opener in the clash on Wednesday.

Bale appears ready to be the leader of the attack in the final third, fitness permitting. But the absence of Ronaldo's predatory instincts in tight games and the fear that put into opponents will be missed by Madrid.

Regardless of any business they do before the La Liga summer transfer deadline on August 31, that trait will be impossible to replace.