Barcelona win record 11th Spanish Super Cup
FC Barcelona players celebrates with the trophy after winning the Spanish Super Cup during the Spanish Super Cup second leg match between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at Nou Camp on August 28, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Barcelona won the Spanish Supercopa for a record 11th time in the second and final leg versus Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The game ended in a goalless draw and they clinched the cup as a result of an away goal scored in the first leg by Neymar. The match was tightly contested and both sides had a number of chances to score.
Barcelona dominated possession as usual and were looking more dangerous than in their previous encounter against Malaga. The best goal scoring opportunity of the match came in the form of a late penalty for Barcelona, and Lionel Messi squandered a wonderful opportunity to make their victory sweeter. The game also saw tempers hit boiling point and Atletico had two of its players, Filipe and Arda Turan, sent off.
Victor Valdes was the man of the hour for Barcelona as he made several splendid saves. Neymar and Mascherano were also impressive. The young Brazilian starlet showed great control and frequently demonstrated his impressive skills. Mascherano did a great defensive job, mainly restricting former Barcelona man David Villa.
The Blaugrana’s new coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino will be a happy man as this is his first silverware in charge of Barcelona.