UPDATE 1-Soccer-Nine-man Real hit back to win Spanish Super Cup

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By Mark Elkington

MADRID, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Nine-man Real Madrid earned an unlikely 4-2 comeback victory over Valencia at home to win their eighth Spanish Super Cup at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

King's Cup winners Valencia had taken control of the traditional curtain-raiser to the season with a 3-2 first leg victory at the Mestalla a week ago, and then a first-half strike from David Silva in the second leg.

A red card for new Real signing Rafael van der Vaart just before the break and a second yellow for Dutch compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy after he had in the levelled from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, left the visitors in control.

But Real rose to the challenge and further goals from Sergio Ramos, Ruben de la Red and Gonzalo Higuain in the last 13 minutes completed a remarkable fightback by the Spanish champions.

After a minute's silence for the victims of the plane crash at Madrid airport last Wednesday, the game got off to a sluggish start with the home side restricted to shots from range as Valencia gave them little space.

The visitors took the lead with their first attempt on goal after an intricate passing move gave Spain midfielder Silva space to fire low into the corner from the edge of the area in the 33rd.