Barcelona welcomed Atletico Madrid to the Camp Nou on Wednesday with the two sides level at 1-1 from the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.
The home side dominated the possession in the first period, but it was Atletico that passed up a couple of golden chances to open the scoring.
Neither side could find the back of the net in the second period as Barcelona won on away goals, but that was not before Felipe Luis and Arda Turan were both given their marching orders for Atletico and Lionel Messi missed a penalty.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! We switch our attention to the Spanish Super Cup this evening as Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid to the Camp Nou for the second leg. As mentioned, the two teams are level on terms from the first leg last week. David Villa opened the scoring for the home side against his former club, but a Neymar header ensured that Barcelona entered this match with an away goal.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Fabregas, Busquets, Xavi; Neymar, Messi, Sanchez
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Gabi, Koke, Suarez; Costa, Villa, Turan
So there we have it. No Andres Iniesta in the Barcelona XI this evening, but Neymar does start a competitive match for the first time alongside Lionel Messi. The rest of the team is as expected with Alexis Sanchez preferred to Pedro. Atletico, meanwhile, are unchanged from the first leg with former Barcelona forward Villa joined in attack by Diego Costa, who has already scored three goals this season.
The draw last week also ended a run of five straight victories for Barcelona over Atletico, which will hand the away side plenty of confidence. To suggest that they have struggled at the Camp Nou in recent seasons, however, would be putting it kindly. They have lost each of their last two visits to Barcelona, conceding nine times and scoring just once in the process, while they have not won in this stadium since the 2005-06 season.
Should Barcelona triumph this evening, it will be their 11th success in this competition in their fifth consecutive appearance. Atletico cannot boast such a history in this competition, however, with just one victory in the 1984-85 season. That said, the capital outfit have finished as runners-up on three separate occasions.
As mentioned, Barcelona have started their title defence in perfect fashion with two wins from two games. They thumped Levante 7-0 on the opening weekend of the season, but found things tougher on Sunday against Malaga, where a strike from Adriano secured all the points. It was not vintage Barca, but they are on six points with Atletico and Real Madrid.
Atletico have also made an impressive start to the season, however, with back-to-back wins over Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano. Diego Costa scored twice on the opening weekend as the Copa del Rey winners won at the Estadio Ramon, before Diego Simeone’s side put five past their capital rivals at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday evening.
These two sides also met in the final of this competition in 1996, with Barcelona boasting players such as Ronaldo, Hristo Stoichkov and Ivan de la Pena. Atletico did launch a spirited comeback in the second leg, but they were defeated 6-5 by the Catalan outfit. A similar scoreline this evening would certainly be welcomed by the neutral.
Barcelona were also involved in this competition last season as winners of the Copa del Rey against the then league champions Real Madrid. The Catalan outfit picked up a 3-2 win in the first leg, but were beaten 2-1 at the Bernabeu as Madrid triumphed on away goals. You just get the feeling that it could be just as tight this evening with Atletico’s stern defence.
Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff, which is around two minutes away. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action away. Atletico will enter the match full of confidence, but I just cannot see past Barcelona this evening, especially after securing an away goal last week.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No Iniesta for the home side, but Neymar does come in for his first competitive start. No real surprises in the Atletico XI, however, as Diego Simeone selects the same team from the first leg. The home side get the action underway on this warm evening in Barcelona.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Barcelona have taken control of the possession on the opening couple of minutes, but that was the case in the first leg last week. There are few better defensive teams in world football than Atletico under the stewardship of Diego Simeone.
Atletico attempt to hit Barcelona on the counter as Turan collects possession inside the opposing half before attempting to find Costa, but he could not find the Brazilian striker. Neymar threatens to break into the box down the other end, but Godin is across to clear the danger. Bright opening four minutes to the second leg.
It's all very tight and compact outside the Atletico box as Barcelona attempt to force their way through. It's good work from Xavi as the Spaniard cuts inside before finding Messi, but Suarez is on hand to clear the danger. No real chances for either side with six minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for the home side as Pique rises to meet a cross from Xavi, but Courtois comes to claim with confidence. First sign of Messi moments before as the Argentine collected possession outside the box before driving past Turan, but the Turkish international pulled him to the ground. I suspect we could see a lot of that this evening.
CHANCE! First opportunity of the match as Busquets finds Messi with a sensational pass inside the box, but Luis is across to make a challenge at the vital moment. Wonderful pass, even better tackle. Atletico have barely been out of their own half thus far, but they are defending well outside and inside their box.
Another half-chance for the home side as Messi drives down the left before finding Sanchez inside the box, but the Chilean scuffs his shot at the final moment. Any contact would have found the back of the net with Courtois struggling. Utter dominance from the home side, but Atletico are holding on for the moment.
First involvement for Costa as the Brazilian dribbles past Alba, before fouling the Spaniard in an attempt to win back possession. It is important that the forward keeps his discipline this evening. He cannot give the referee the chance to award a card. Still Barcelona pass and probe outside the box, but they are yet to find a way through this compact Atletico defence.
Messi just cannot make any progress at the moment as he is pulled down each time he moves past a red and white shirt. However, the referee is yet to issue a booking. The free kicks are starting to add up, however, which has slowed the tempo in the last few moments. Still goalless with 16 minutes on the clock in the second leg.
Half-chance for Alba to put a dangerous ball into the box as the Spaniard collects possession on the left, but there are no takers at the far post. Costa attempts to hold it up for Atletico down the other end, but Pique clears the danger. One-way traffic in terms of the attack, but Atletico will not mind. This is their game, absorb and then break.
It's good work from the away side as Costa combines with Koke before moving beyond the Barcelona defence, but the striker is ruled offside. Barcelona have possession down the other end as Neymar collects a long pass from Xavi before winning a corner, but the danger is headed clear by Miranda.
Barcelona have resorted to throwing a couple of crosses into the box in the last few moments, but it is playing into Courtois's hands - literally. Atletico manage to win a free kick down the other end moments later, but Turan's clipped cross just moves beyond the head of Costa, who had made a late run into the box.
Almost a big moment in the match as Costa is chopped down by Alba, which would have meant a red card for the Spanish defender. However, the offside flag had been raised. What a let-off for the home side. Sanchez attempts to burst through the Atletico defence moments later, but again the danger is cleared. There is no way through the away side's defence as Neymar is outmuscled by Godin.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alba is chopped down by Costa just outside the box. The resulting free kick is delivered by Xavi, but the wall stands strong. Atletico attempt to break, but it just keeps coming back. Still goalless in what has been a fascinating 27 minutes of football at the Camp Nou.
Not a great moment from Busquets as the Spanish midfielder wriggles around in pain despite barely being touched by Gabi, who is clearly unhappy with his countryman. The first yellow card of the match is handed to Koke for a foul on Messi, who has been chopped down each time he has had possession. That is an obvious tactic for Atletico.
Decent couple of minutes for Atletico, who have forced a couple of free kicks in and around the Barcelona penalty area. But they have been unable to really trouble the home side. Fabregas becomes the first Barcelona player to enter the book moments later for a challenge on Costa, although it was harsh. The resulting free kick is taken by Luis, but his effort is high and wide.
The card count is starting to rise with Busquets the latest to enter the book for something that he said to the referee. The resulting free kick is chipped into the box by Xavi, but once more the danger is cleared by Godin. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, with the two sides still level at 0-0 on the night and 1-1 in the tie.
I would be surprised if we ended with all 22 players this evening with the amount of challenges that are flying in from both sides. Messi has hardly been allowed to influence proceedings thus far with the Argentine chopped down at each moment. Neymar attempts to meet a through pass from Xavi moments later, but Miranda is across to quell the danger.
CHANCE! Best chance of the match for Atletico by some distance as Costa holds off Pique before finding Gabi inside the box, the Spaniard sets it to Koke, but his effort is straight into the arms of Valdes. That is a really poor conclusion to what was a very promising moment for the capital outfit. I shouldn't think Atletico will have too many of those this evening.
CHANCE! The opportunities are starting to arrive in the latter stages of the half. This time the chance is for Barcelona as Fabregas meets a loose ball inside the box, but he can only head into the arms of Courtois, moments before Messi had failed to reach a through pass from Xavi. Will we have a goal before the interval?
Still there is no way through for Barcelona despite their best efforts with Atletico simply shutting the door outside the box. The play is incredibly narrow at the moment with Koke and Turan both tucking in. Real sense of frustration in the crowd as Atletico's spoil tactics continue to cause the home side problems.
CHANCE! Sensational football from Atletico as they work their way into the penalty box. Eventually it falls to Turan, but his powerful effort is palmed clear by Valdes. That is a stunning save from the Spanish goalkeeper. From the resulting corner Costa meets the cross, but his header is wide of the target.
Another opportunity for Barcelona in the latter stages of the half as Messi finds Sanchez inside the box, but his header is high and wide of the target. End-to-end last couple of moments, but it appears that we will enter the break level on the night.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with the two sides level at 0-0 on the night and 1-1 on aggregate. As expected, Barcelona have dominated the possession, but Atletico have had a couple of golden chances to open the scoring. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: It will not come as much of a surprise to learn that Barcelona have had 79% of the possession in the first period. They have also had five attempts to Atletico's four, but just one of their attempts has been on target to Atletico's two. There has also been three cards in the first period, with Busquets and Fabregas booked for Barcelona and Koke entering the notepad for Atletico.
BENCH WATCH: As expected, both sides have serious quality in reserve this evening. Barcelona have the likes of Pedro, Andres Iniesta, Alex Song and Cristian Tello on their bench. Meanwhile, Atletico could call upon Adrian Lopez, Raul Garcia, Cristian Rodriguez and Leo Baptistao.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. I am expecting much of the same in this half, plenty of Barcelona possession, but with Atletico attempting to find that decisive strike on the counter. Be sure to remain with us as the evening unfolds. Atletico get the half underway.
The temperatures appear to have calmed during the interval with both sets of players now ready for the second 45 minutes. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Just a reminder that if it stays like this, Barcelona will win on away goals. Atletico do need to find the back of the net to stand a chance of claiming the trophy this evening.
Bright start to the second period from Atletico as Costa collects possession in a wide area, but his cross is cleared by Pique. Eventually Juanfran whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Valdes is on hand to collect. You suspect that there might be just the one goal in it this evening.
Lots of players slipping and sliding all over the pitch at the moment. A fall from Messi almost presents Costa with the chance to slide a pass towards Villa, but the striker just cannot collect under pressure from Alves. Barcelona have possession down the other end moments later, but still they cannot find a way through this Atletico defence. Fascinating tactical battle at the Camp Nou.
The biggest cheer of the evening arrives as Iniesta is sent to warm up. I suspect we could see the Spanish international in the next 15 minutes or so. It hasn't quite happened for Neymar thus far, but he has not had a lot of service on the left. It must be said that the pitch is not in the best condition this evening.
It's a really poor challenge from Pique as the Barcelona defender is forced to fell Luis just outside the box, gaining a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting free kick is delivered into the penalty area by Koke, but Alba is on hand to clear the danger. Little under 35 minutes of normal time remaining in the Camp Nou.
Good spell for the away side in the last couple of moments with the capital outfit passing and probing outside the Barcelona box, while they are also causing problems in the wide positions. You cannot help but be impressed by this Atletico side as Valdes is forced to deny a long-range strike from Gabi. Real sense of frustration from the home supporters at the moment.
It's really good work from Neymar as the Brazilian drives past Juanfran before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Suarez is on hand to clear the danger. The resulting corner is delivered by Xavi, but once more Godin is first to meet the high ball. Not too much in terms of clear opportunities in the second period.
The referee has been forced into action in the last couple of moments with Barcelona crowding the Spaniard on more than one occasion. There is no question that Atletico are in the driving seat at the moment as they continue to enjoy more of the possession. I suspect we could see a couple of changes in the next five minutes or so. Barcelona are struggling at the moment.
Almost an opportunity for Barcelona as Fabregas wins possession inside the Atletico box, but he can barely take a touch before Courtois dives onto the ball. Neymar has started to feature in the last few moments, but he is one of a number of players struggling to stay on their feet. Why on earth was the pitch watered at the interval?!
Messi attempts to create an opportunity in the box as he collects a pass from Xavi before turning past Luis, but the Brazilian just gets back to make the challenge. Barcelona make their first change of the match moments later as Pedro, who is a real favourite here, replaces Sanchez, who has hardly featured this evening.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the box as the Catalan outfit work the ball from left to right, but they still cannot find a way through. Neymar comes close to creating an opportunity as he drives into the box, but he decides to cross rather than release a strike on goal. Little over 20 minutes of normal time remaining at the Camp Nou.
Pique takes matters into his own hands by striking an effort from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Bit of afters between Luis and Messi moments later following a challenge, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. Still we await for the first goal of the evening on this warm early morning in Barcelona.
Barcelona have just quickened the tempo in the last couple of moments with Xavi driving into the box before attempting to find Messi, but Godin steps out to clear the danger. Messi combines with Alves moments later, but Courtois is out to make the challenge. Little over 15 minutes remaining at the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Barcelona still struggling to find a way through this Atletico defence. The away side make their first change of the match moments later as Adrian Lopez enters the field in place of Turan, who has put in some shift this evening. The Spaniard will certainly provide Atletico with a threat in behind as we approach the latter stages.
Barcelona make their second change of the match as Fabregas is replaced by Iniesta, who receives some reception from the home crowd. You just get the feeling that there is going to be one big chance for someone in the latter stages, but will it be taken? Atletico can smell something here there is no question about that.
Again Costa wins a free kick from Pique just outside the box. The resulting set piece is delivered into the area by Koke, but again Alba clears the danger. Barcelona attempt to break down the other end with Busquets, but Gabi fells the Spaniard. The match is just starting to open up with little under 10 minutes remaining.
RED CARD! LUIS (Atletico Madrid)
Atletico have been reduced to 10 men as Luis is given his marching orders for appearing to elbow Alves down the right. The Brazilian is refusing to leave the pitch at the moment, which is not helping his cause. It was bound to happen.
Gabi has also been booked for something that he said to the referee. Finally Barcelona get the action underway with the free kick on the right, but Messi's delivery is straight onto the head of Juanfran. Can Barcelona break Atletico's resistance in the latter stages?
Atletico make their second change of the match as Cristian Rodriguez enters the field in place of Villa. Atletico have made 22 fouls this evening, which is not surprising. They are just starting to lose their discipline with Costa given a ticking off for lashing out at Messi. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining.
Costa becomes the latest player to enter the book for a challenge on Alves. Barcelona are just keeping possession at the moment, as it stands, they will claim the Super Cup on away goals. Can Atletico find a piece of magic in the remaining few minutes?
PENALTY TO BARCELONA!
Barcelona are awarded a penalty in the final minute as Pedro is felled by Miranda inside the box. It is very soft. Before the penalty, Atletico make their third change of the match as Koke is replaced by Leo Baptistao.
CROSSBAR! Oh my good grief. Messi smashes his penalty onto the crossbar. How often do you see that?! What an end to this match. Atletico are still in this cup tie.
RED CARD! Turan (Atletico Madrid)
Turan is not even on the pitch but he has been handed a red card for something that he said to the official. Good grief what has happened in the last 10 minutes. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.
I have seen it all. Now we have a spectator on the field who shares a hug with Pique! What is going on?! Barcelona attempt to put this game beyond doubt as Messi combines with Pedro inside the box, but Godin is on hand to clear the danger. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 0-0 Atletico (Barcelona win on away goals)
So there we have it. The first trophy of the season belongs to Barcelona as they win the Super Cup on away goals. Atletico ended the match with 10 men after seeing Luis dismissed, but Turan, who had been substituted, was also given a red card in the final minute. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action.
