Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona overcome Real Madrid in an enthralling contest

Lionel Messi proved to be the angelic messiah yet again while Cesc Fabregas made a dream debut for Barcelona

Mesmerizing, enthralling , beautiful and ugly: All these words are just not enough to describe what I saw on display between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup second leg. Such a high paced contest and what better for Barca but to win it front of their home crowd and 90,000 supporters. Barcelona won the two-legged contest 5-4 on aggregate but the quality of game may be downgraded by the ugly tackle on Cesc Fabregas by Marcelo who was immediately sent off . The home grown talent made a stunning return and on his very first outing for Catalans, he became a medal winner. The result means that Barcelona have won the Spanish Super Cup 3 times in a row, 11 out of their 14 Cup fianls under Pep Guardiola.

Lionel Messi turned out to be the hero again for Barcelona as he scored a brace and set one up for Iniesta . Cesc Fabregas had an impressive debut, for it was he who set up the all important 3rd goal for Barcelona and Messi. However it was never a one sided match. As Messi, Xavi and Villa were stamping their authority on the game in Barca colours, Ronaldo, Benzema and Di Maria impressed for Real, making the second leg an enthralling contest.

In the earlier stages of the game, Real played a very fluid passing game, but lightening struck them when Iniesta scored out of the blue after being set up by Messi. Real equalized through Ronaldo, but Messi scored within 5 minutes of Ronaldo’s goal, taking Barcelona up front again. At the end of half time, Barcelona were ahead by 2-1.

In the second half, Real were a much more confident side and thanks to some awful defending, Kaka‘s misdirected corner was slotted home by Karim Benzema. 2-2! But the drama was not to end there as Cesc Fabregas was introduced in dying stages of the game and made an immediate impact when he played a through ball to Messi who slotted it home brilliantly.

It could have been more as Messi had a chance to complete his hat-trick in 87 th minute, however he was denied by Casillas. The game turned ugly and players from both sides were involved in brawls as Fabregas was fouled by Marcelo. The TV cameras also displayed Jose Mourinho indulging in neck twisting of Barca’s assistant coach, making it all look very ugly. His behavior will be scrutinized severely and it is expected that he may be banned for 5 matches from the touchline. The season has barely begun, but the passion with which El Clasico was played is amazing. For now, Barcelona still look invincible and Real Madrid have a lot of catching up to do if they are to overcome them.

Man of the Match :

Lionel Messi without a doubt. He netted two goals and set up another. His energy was infectious and it rubbed on other players as well.

The “Special One” moment :

The self proclaimed messiah of Real Madrid should better behave himself, his antics where he purposefully twisted Barcelona’s assistant coach’s neck was an ugly sight. I will not be surprised if he will be dismissed from sidelines for 5 games. The case of sour grapes !!

Nou Camp verdict :

90,000 supporters and their ear splitting noise – yes come home to Barcelona FC! The crowd support was absolutely fantastic today, it was all the more important that fans turned out for Clasico that was labelled not so very important. I am sure they had their money’s worth today, splendid play from both teams. But ultimately Barcelona won it and they are the 2011 Supercopa Champions.