Barcelona welcomed Athletic Bilbao to the Camp Nou for the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Monday.
An incredible first leg last week saw Bilbao record a 4-0 victory at San Mames, which placed the Basque outfit in a strong position for the clash in Barcelona.
Barcelona scored late on in the first period through Lionel Messi to cut the score to 4-1 on aggregate, but they were reduced to 10 men early in the second period when Gerard Pique was sent from the field.
Bilbao, who had Kike Sola sent off late on, levelled the scores on the night in the 74th minute when Aritz Aduriz converted from close range, which killed off any hopes of a comeback from Luis Enrique's side.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live European coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Athletic Bilbao for the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup. Bilbao lead 4-0 from the first leg on Friday evening and are therefore the overwhelming favourites to claim the trophy, but you just never know with this Barca team. Let's hope for an action-packed evening of football in Barcelona!
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS:
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Pedro, Suarez, Messi
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Boveda, Etxeita, Laporte, Balenziaga; De Marcos, Gurpegi, Benat, Eraso, Susaeta; Aduriz
So there we have it. Barca boss Luis Enrique has rung the changes from the first leg last week, with Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets among those returning to the side. Pedro is also selected despite continued speculation of a move to Manchester United this summer, while Claudio Bravo is preferred to Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks. Interesting selection!
As for Bilbao, head coach Ernesto Valverde has selected a defensive side, which is not a surprise. Aritz Aduriz, who scored a hat trick last week, will lead the line, but Mikel San Jose misses out with a slight injury. Further back, Eneko Boveda will join Oscar de Marcos on the right of the field, while experienced centre-back Carlos Gurpegi will seemingly start in a central midfield position tonight.
In total, these two teams have met on 52 occasions since their first match in the 1993-94 season. Barcelona have won 33 of those fixtures, with Bilbao winning eight and the further 11 games finishing level. Last season, Barca beat Bilbao twice in the league, in addition to triumphing 3-1 in the Copa del Rey final. Last week, however, was a different story entirely as Bilbao stunning everyone.
A wonderful long-range effort from Mikel San Jose sent Bilbao 1-0 ahead in the 13th minute, before a second-half hat-trick from Aduriz gave the Basque outfit a four-goal lead entering this match. It was a lazy and uncomfortable performance from Barcelona, who lacked intensity in all areas of the field. The European Super Cup against Sevilla seemed to do them no favours at all.
In truth, in the first leg, Barca had the look of a team that were forced to play 120 minutes in the European Super Cup just three days before. They had been 4-1 ahead against Sevilla early in the second period, but conceded three times in the final 30 minutes as Unai Emery's side forced extra-time. Eventually Barca won it, but it would have taken a lot out of the players, that is for certain.
That was shown in Luis Enrique's team selection for the first leg, but ultimately the players that were given the nod just did not perform. In truth, it is going to take a quite stunning turnaround for Barcelona to win the Spanish Super Cup, but you just cannot write them off. I have a feeling that it will be an uncomfortable night for Bilbao if the hosts can score early. Cue Lionel Messi & Co.
This is also Barcelona's final match before they begin their La Liga title defence at the weekend with a trip to... you guessed it, Bilbao. That particular match will be very different from the one that occurred on Friday, but at home, Bilbao have shown that they can match the very best teams.
It will not come as much of a surprise that Barcelona are the most successful team in the history of this particular competition, having won the trophy on 11 occasions and also finished as runners-up eight times. The last time that they won the Spanish Super Cup was at the start of the 2012-13 season, when they beat Atletico Madrid on away goals. Last season, Atletico won the trophy.
The last time that these two teams met in the Spanish Super Cup was back in 2009, when Barca claimed the trophy with an aggregate score of 5-1. They also clashed in this competition back in 1983, with Bilbao, who had won La Liga the previous season, losing 3-2 on aggregate. Bar an incredible turnaround, Bilbao will gain some revenge this time around, but you just never know.
Barcelona will enter the new season as the favourites to retain La Liga and indeed the Champions League, but Enrique must be concerned with some under-par performances over the last couple of weeks. They were far from impressive during pre-season as they lost to Manchester United, Chelsea and Fiorentina, but they did beat Roma 3-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy earlier this month.
Last season, Barcelona's defence was a key part of their success, but they have now conceded eight times in their last two matches. They will always score goals such is their extraordinary talent in the final third, but making sure the back four is tight for the new season is of the utmost importance.
Bilbao, meanwhile, have been busy since the end of last season – playing six pre-season friendlies and also competing in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. Their preparations for the new campaign have brought mixed results in truth, but they did book their spot in the Europa League playoffs with a comfortable 2-0 aggregate victory over Azerbaijani side Inter Baku earlier this month.
Bilbao struggled to balance European football with their domestic duties in the first half of last season, but a strong end to the campaign saw them claim seventh position in La Liga and advance to the final of the Copa del Rey. Ernesto Valverde will be hoping to launch another challenge for the top four in the new season, but both Valencia and Sevilla will also have something to say about that.
You get the feeling that these two will need to have brilliant nights if Barcelona are to turn this one around. Just a reminder that Bilbao have a four-goal advantage entering the second leg...
PREDICTION! I think that Barcelona will make a good fight of it tonight, but I am just struggling to see them turn it completely around. I fancy Bilbao to find the back of the net at some point and will back a 3-1 home victory, which would ultimately be enough for Bilbao to claim the trophy.
Here we go then. Both sets of players are in the tunnel as we approach the first period of action. Is this Pedro's final appearance in a Barcelona shirt? We thought that last time, and the time before! The hosts need to find at least four goals tonight and it could be an explosive night of action in Spain.
KICK OFF! The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes of this second leg underway at the Camp Nou...
... Barcelona need four goals, or possibly at least six if Bilbao can find the back of the net. Can it happen? Of course. Will it happen? Not for me. Suarez has been lively in the early moments here.
Last season, Barcelona scored four or more goals in 18 of their competitive matches, which is quite incredible. As expected, the home side have started on the front foot, with Suarez already making a number of runs beyond the Bilbao defence. An early goal would just mean so much to this tie.
Bilbao have shown a willingness to attack in the early moments this evening, which is great news for the neutral. One away goal would leave Barcelona needing six, which is some ask, even for this team.
CHANCE AND CROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Pedro meets a loose ball inside the Bilbao box, but his effort is deflected over the crossbar from close range. From the resulting corner, Pique hits the crossbar with a half-volley. Two stunning opportunities there!
Bilbao have a sight of goal as Benat delivers a terrific free kick towards Aduriz, but Bravo manages to collect at the vital moment. The hosts break straight down the other end and Pedro manages to win a corner. This has been a wonderful opening eight minutes, but still no goals to report thus far!
Bilbao just cannot keep the ball at the moment and Pique is playing centre-forward for Barcelona - what is happening! The home supporters are in wonderful voice as the intensity remains high.
Plenty happening in terms of challenges at the moment and it has been a busy opening 12 minutes for the referee, who has had to be alert at both ends of the field. As expected, Barcelona are attempting to keep the tempo high as they search for the game's all-important first goal tonight.
Possession football from the home side as they continue to pass and probe in Bilbao territory.
Half-chance for the home side as Messi works the ball into Iniesta, who lifts a cross towards the far post, but Messi cannot make contact and Bilbao can relax with a goal kick. Still 0-0 on the night.
The offside flag has not been kind to Barcelona thus far as Messi is the latest to be on the end of the linesman's call. The hosts are getting closer, but Bilbao have almost got through the first 20 here.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Bilbao are showing that they will commit players forward when they have the chance to break. Just a reminder that the Basque outfit currently have a four-goal lead in this tie following the first leg last week.
Last-ditch defending from Bilbao as Laporte is forced to clear a delicate pass from Iniesta, which seemed to be heading for Suarez. A little bit over-play from the home side during that attack.
The atmosphere has just dropped in the last couple of minutes, which is not much of a surprise as Bilbao break down the field and win a corner. Bilbao's two full-backs and pressing forward here.
Iniesta is once again the driving force for the home side as he darts into the Bilbao box, but Boveda is across at the vital moment to make a brilliant challenge. More super defending from the visitors!
We have not seen too much from Messi in the opening 28 minutes, with Bilbao doing a good job of containing the Argentine. Down the other end, Aduriz has been excellent in taking the pressure off his defence. The Spaniard really is one of the most under-rated forwards in European football.
Aduriz has the chance to burst away from the Barcelona defence, but Mascherano just manages to get back and make the challenge. The forward is still down in the Barcelona half of the field...
... Aduriz is finally back on his feet and Messi has a half-chance down the other end, but the Argentine cannot connect on a low Alves cross, with Laporte across to make the clearance.
BOOKING! Boveda (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.
Messi takes the resulting free kick, but his effort is just over the crossbar. Not this time.
Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball, but they are not exactly creating clear-cut chances and much of that is down to the brilliance of the Bilbao defence. Still 0-0 on the night.
CHANCE! Barcelona have the chance to break the deadlock as Iniesta collects a loose pass on the edge of the Bilbao box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. He's better than that!
There is not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment and that will be music to the ears of the Bilbao players, who have done an excellent job of containing the home team. It was a massive ask for Barcelona entering this match and the first period has almost been completed.
CHANCE! Oh my word what a chance! Bilbao have a wonderful opportunity to take the lead on the night as a poor pass presents Eraso with possession just outside the box. The Spaniard moves past Mascherano, but his effort smashes into the side netting. Aduriz was free there!
Bilbao are certainly committing numbers forward when they manage to steal possession and Barcelona just do not look comfortable at the back. Still goalless in this second leg here.
BOOKING! Eraso (Bilbao) is booked for pulling Iniesta's shirt.
Etxeita has had an outstanding first period for Bilbao and the centre-back is again on hand to clear a whipped free kick from Messi. There is just no way through for the home side at the moment.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Bilbao (Messi)
Barcelona make the breakthrough late in the first period as Suarez chests down to Messi inside the Bilbao box and the Argentine fires his effort past Iraizoz from close range. Bizarrely, the Bilbao goalkeeper then jumps on the ball and would not relinquish it! What a strange turn of events!
BOOKING! Pedro (Barcelona) is booked following that incident with Iraizoz.
Barcelona now have the momentum and Pique comes close with a header as the home supporters make their presence known. Just the one added minute at the end of this first period.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period of action to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 on the night courtesy of that Messi goal late in the half. Bilbao still lead 4-1 on aggregate, however, following a 4-0 victory in the first leg last week. Can Barca find at least three in the second period?
STATS! Barcelona have absolutely dominated the possession with 77%, but just one of their eight attempts was on target and that brought the opening goal. As for Bilbao, they failed to hit the target with either of their two attempts. There have also been three yellow cards at the Camp Nou.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have plenty of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Rafinha, Munir and Sandro all capable of making a difference. Bilbao, meanwhile, have the likes of Rico and Kike Sola in reserve. Will we see any changes at the interval here?
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players rejoin us on the field for the second 45 minutes of football. Can Barcelona turn this one around? The hosts resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. Barcelona will be looking for another goal early in this second period. Can Bilbao resist the pressure? We will see!
As expected, the home team have taken control of the possession early in the second period, but Bilbao are still defending everything that comes into their box. That will be the pattern here.
Bilbao continue to resist the pressure, but you just get the feeling that another Barcelona goal is coming. A second at this stage would leave an awful long time to find a couple more!
One goal for Bilbao would leave the home team needing five more, which would be extremely tough. However, the visitors are dropping deeper and deeper as the second period develops. Pique, on the other hand, is all over the field at the moment. He has been Barcelona's best player tonight.
Bravo is forced into a save following more poor defending from Barcelona. The effort from Susaeta had power, but was straight down the throat of the Chilean stopper. The home side are straight down the other end with Suarez, but Laporte is across to clear the danger. This is brewing nicely!
SAVE! Bravo now gets down to deny Aduriz after the Bilbao striker had driven into the box. The atmosphere is just boiling over and there is another altercation between both sets of players!
RED CARD! Pique (Barcelona)
Barcelona are reduced to 10 men as Pique is sent off for an over-the-top reaction to the linesman. Pique believed that Aduriz was offside in the move before and made his feelings known!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score a second as Pedro drives into the Bilbao box, but Iraizoz manages to claim at the second time of asking. It is all happening!
Aduriz then goes down as Mascherano clashes with the Spaniard. This game is boiling over!
CHANCE! Rakitic misses an absolute sitter for Barcelona as the Croatian bundles his effort wide from close range after a super cross from Pedro. He really should have scored there!
BOOKING! Aduriz (Bilbao) is now booked for dissent.
BOOKING! Benat (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.
Well, back to the football then! It is a tired-looking Bilbao defence at the moment and Barcelona are really pressing for a second goal. The hosts are still 4-1 behind overall in this Spanish Super Cup.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home team as Suarez combines with Messi before attempting to find a route past Iraizoz, but the Bilbao stopper makes another smart save.
Aduriz waves his finger at Bravo as both players clash when the Bilbao striker dives in to challenge the Barcelona goalkeeper. Aduriz is a touch fortunate that he has stayed on the field there for me!
Little over 20 minutes of normal time remaining and Barcelona still need three more goals if they are to take this into extra-time. That is without Bilbao finding an away goal. Change incoming...
... BILBAO SUB: Elustondo replaces Etxeita for the visitors.
BARCA SUBS: Munir and Sandro replace Pedro and Rakitic.
Is that the last time that we will see Pedro in a Barcelona shirt? It remains to be seen, but Manchester United are reportedly in Spain at the moment attempting to broker a deal. Still 1-0 Barca here.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Barcelona remain in control of the possession. That is all very well, but they still need at least three more goals here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Messi sets up Suarez, who drives into the Bilbao box, but his left-footed strike is just over the crossbar. That was the moment!
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Bilbao (Aduriz)
The Camp Nou is silenced as Aduriz levels the scores at 1-1 on the night and sends Bilbao 5-1 ahead on aggregate. De Marcos sets up the striker with a header, but his first effort is saved by Bravo. Aduriz is not to be denied, however, and fires home at the second time of asking. Scenes!
I think it it safe to say that Bilbao have won the 2015 Spanish Super Cup!
How good is Aduriz by the way? He really is an exceptional striker and has now scored four times against Barcelona in the space of four days - how many players can say they have achieved that?
Barcelona continue to press forward and Suarez has another half-chance following excellent work from Iniesta, but Bilbao again clear the danger. Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
BILBAO SUB: Aduriz is replaced by Kike Sola.
Sola is straight into the action for the away side following a poor pass from Mascherano, but the striker does not have the legs to run away from Barcelona's back four. Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is not much of a surprise. This has gone for Barcelona.
BILBAO SUB: Mikel Rico replaces Benat for the visitors.
Should we be concerned about Barcelona's performance over these two legs? Quite probably! They have been very poor defensively. Bilbao, on the other hand, have been just excellent.
RED CARD! Sola (Bilbao)
Bilbao are now reduced to 10 men as Sola dives in late on Mascherano. It is probably a little harsh, but the striker was late and it was a poor tackle. Both teams will seemingly finish with 10 men!
The Bilbao supporters are in wonderful voice at the moment as we play out the final minutes. There is almost silence from the home fans, who will once again be asking questions of their team tonight.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in the final moments here, with both teams guilty of losing possession in the final third. The Bilbao bench are getting ready to celebrate an extraordinary two-leg win...
... FULL-TIME: Barcelona 1-1 Bilbao (Bilbao win 5-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Bilbao win the Spanish Super Cup for the first time since 1984 with a 5-1 aggregate win over Barcelona - what an achievement for the Basque club! As expected, the Bilbao players and indeed staff are ecstatic! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to look out for the analysis and player ratings, which will follow tonight. Until next time!
