Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona: Five talking points from the Spanish Supercup 

Barcelona pull up the curtains on the new season with a 2-1 win over Sevilla in a single-legged Spanish Supercup tie in Tangiers, Morocco.

In a tightly-contested match, the Rojiblancos went ahead inside nine minutes through Pablo Sarabia as the VAR, making its debut in Spanish football this term, overruled the offside decision. The Blaugrana looked disjointed for large spells of the first-half, but fortuitously levelled proceedings through Gerard Pique when the defender latched on to a rebound off Lionel Messi's freekick.

Ousmane Dembélé then struck the winner in the final quarter with a stunning volley that hit the underside of the bar before crashing into the bottom corner. Barcelona picked up an unprecedented 13th Supercup trophy to start off the 2018/19 campaign on a positive note.

The major talking points:

#1 Messi kicks-off his captaincy with another blinder

The Argentine talisman was at it again

He may not have got on the scoresheet, but Lionel Messi was in the thick of the things, orchestrating the win. Barcelona's captain for the new season was all fired up for the curtain-raiser and made a telling contribution even without ever hitting the net. He skilfully evaded his markers to get into good positions and strung together some silky passes that his teammates let go begging.

Even then though, he was directly involved in both of his side's goals as he first struck a freekick that cannoned back off the upright and Pique was on hand to nudge it into an empty net, before feeding Dembélé on the right while the Frenchman applied the finishing touch with aplomb.

Messi wasn't a part of Barcelona's pre-season tour in the US owing to his extended break after the World Cup commitments, but his performance today - easy on the eye - made it look like he was never absent. That's the extent of his brilliance we're taking about.

On a day when Barcelona blew hot and cold in the attack, Messi was the beacon of light and energy as he went on to lift his 33rd trophy with the club to become the most decorated player in its history.

#2 VAR caps a fine debut in Spanish football

Sarabia's goal was given after a VAR review

From this season onwards, the Video Assistant Referee technology would be used in La Liga and today, marked its debut in Spanish football. The VAR was called into question as early as the ninth minute when Pablo Sarabia's opener was initially ruled offside, only for the decision to be overturned after the match official reviewed the strike on the computer screen.

On an another day, this would have been a let off for Barcelona, triggering yet more catcalls that the side were once again favoured by an indecision from the officials. But thanks to the VAR, that won't happen hereafter. Even with Real Madrid. This incident is a testament to the same.

VAR was received to a mixed set of reviews at the World Cup, but quite frankly, it did have more of a positive impact than it did negatively. Controversial and uncertain moments were closely reviewed and even though didn't result in accurate decisions every single time, made sure such things are not swept under the carpet conveniently. That's going to be a real game-changer in a league that is often denounced for poor refereeing.

#3 Suarez appears like a spent force

Suarez once again struggled in the final third

Luis Suarez endured his toughest campaign with Barcelona last term, struggling to get off the mark - he struck only twice in the first seven league games - and then concluding the campaign with another whimper - he struck only twice in the final seven league games. Today, he was once again off-the-pace. The Uruguayan hitman seriously struggled to connect with deliveries into the box and never looked like scoring.

He was just above average in the World Cup, scoring twice and making an impeccable assist for Edinson Cavani against Portugal. But even average would sound an overstatement for what was a truly disappointing performance today. El Pistolero misfired (his shots), miscued (his passes) and misplaced (his crosses). His link-up play too was off as Barcelona's struggles in the final third was largely down to his uncharacteristic ineptitude.

Suarez is only 31 and has a lot left in his tank still. This might be just a blip before hitting his stride, but he needs to do that soon. The likes of Munir, Paco Alcacer too are waiting in the wings and might lose his starting spot if the poor form continues for a longer time.

#4 Despite the defeat, Sevilla impress in Machin's first game in-charge

Sevilla can be a reckoning force once more under Machin

Pablo Machin presided over his first game as the Sevilla manager and despite the defeat, which was kind of expected in the pre-match threads, his side impressed up to a considerable extent and can extract a few positives from the result too.

For starters, the Sevillistas looked the brighter side of the two during the opening exchanges with quick passes and well-worked forward movements. They deservedly went ahead after nine minutes when Sarabia sneakily got behind the defence on the right and sweetly struck from a Luis Muriel cross to sting the Spanish champions with an early blow. And although there was no further goals to come, the Andalusian outfit did threaten with promising attacking spells. Sevilla managed to muster five shots on target in all from 11 efforts at goal.

An impressive return, but the defence too, made sure it isn't all smooth sailing for Barcelona with diligent clearances and close man-marking. The gulf in quality between the two sides eventually showed, but Sevilla pushed their mighty rivals to the wall. That in itself is a good sign.

The Sevilla outfit under Vincenzo Montella was an unpredictable one and blighted by inconsistency. But Machin, who turned newly-promoted Girona side into an interesting outfit last term, is already making an impact with this side. With time and steady progress, Sevilla can get themselves back into the league's top four.

#5 Dembele is getting there

Dembele provided the spark in an impressive display

Ousmane Dembele's first season with Barcelona was blighted by recurring injuries. So much so that he missed 133 days of first-team action last season. Even though he did manage to get some game-time towards the tail end, couldn't do enough to appease the fans, or anybody watching. There were even strong speculations of a departure this summer, but Dembele has remained put thus far and today, convinced why he made the right decision.

The French youngster was a terrific outlet from the left. His devil-may-care attitude while charging down the flank did pose problems for Sevilla whilst he also continues to develop an understanding with Messi. Dribbling skills, as usual, were a joy to behold but the best part of his game was the absolute belter of a shot he leathered in the 77th minute to put Barcelona in the driving seat. It was a strike of top drawer quality; and from a player still oozing confidence.

With a 90% passing accuracy, three chances created and a beautiful goal too, Dembele was easily one of the best players on the field - perhaps after only Messi - and can play a huge role in this season if he builds on this strong start.