5 Talking points from Barcelona's Super Cup triumph over Atletico Madrid

With Barcelona claiming their first piece of silverware under Gerardo Martino’s stewardship, let us look at the major talking points from the Spanish Super Cup final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

1. For all his faults, Valdes is still key for Barcelona

Victor Valdes is still key for Barcelona (Getty Images)

There are certainly plenty of question marks over the fact that Victor Valdes has been playing in goal for so long without ever really being challenged for his place. Whilst some believe that a team like Barcelona should really have a more glamorous goalkeeper who is more likely to catch the eye, the fact remains that, Valdes is still an integral part of the Barcelona lineup.

Often the forgotten man, against Atletico Madrid he just showed what he was capable of, by putting in a stellar performance which ensured that Barcelona got the draw they needed to win them the Super Cup. Valdes made some crucial saves, especially from Arda Turan and David Villa, to help salvage a nil-nil draw. And, for better or for worse, he is there to stay.

2. Atletico still look strong in attack without Falcao

Former Barca striker David Villa has struck up a good partnership with Diego Costa (Getty Images)

After Falcao’s big money move to Monaco, many questioned if Atletico could reach the same heights without the man who has been carrying them through. And against Barcelona, they showed glimpses of what they are capable of.

With Diego Costa stepping up to the plate and the acquisition of David Villa from Barcelona over the summer, it seems like Atletico are beginning to adapt to life without Falcao. And the fact that Falcao’s chief creator, Arda Turan is still there and playing as well as he has ever played, only means that although Falcao’s presence is no more, they might not really miss him too badly.

3. Barcelona seem to have gone down a notch

Barcelona looked well below their best in both legs of the Super Cup final (Getty Images)

Whilst there was no doubt that Atletico were physically imposing and tough to beat, it still doesn’t take away the fact that Barcelona became the first team to win the Super Cup without winning a game. And whilst Neymar and Messi started for the first time, Messi was below par, as was evident from his late penalty miss and Neymar couldn’t make full of use of his pace and trickery against this resolute Atletico defence.

Maybe, it is just the fact that they are getting used to new management, but one thing is for sure, they clearly aren’t at their best, at least not right now. And they still have a long way to go before they get there.

4. Atletico’s defence looks solid

Marshalled by Diego Godin, Atletico have an excellent defensive setup (Getty Images)

It is not very often that Barcelona come out of a game without scoring and also without creating too many clear cut openings for themselves to score. But that is exactly what happened against Atletico, as they were unable to break down the defence and set up many goal scoring opportunities. Diego Simeone’s team looked very disciplined and both their centre-backs certainly had a night to remember.

If they play like they did against Barcelona, they will have a sound platform to build on and challenge for trophies, both domestic and in Europe.

5. Neymar and Messi looking to start something special

Neymar and Lionel Messi – Promising signs? (Getty Images)

This was the first time Neymar started a game for Barcelona and although it wasn’t his best game, there was more than enough there to believe that his partnership with Messi will turn out great for everyone concerned. They have only played together for a little while, but there were few instances where both of them looked to really click and be on the same wavelength, which are surely promising signs for any Barcelona fan.

And whilst it is still too early to call, this certainly looks like the start of something special. And something which wouldn’t please those who questioned if both of them could play in the same team effectively.