Report
17 August 2011
Fernando Porrero / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
Real Madrid pressurised in attack and suffocated Barcelona from the start, always giving the impression they could win the Spanish Super Cup. They were behind on the scoreboard twice throughout the match and lost the title unfairly in the end. They deserved much more.
The Whites were dangerous on Barça's goal from the very beginning. Cristiano Ronaldo nearly scored an opener in the 7th minute, but Valdes managed to clear his shot. Football was once again unfair with Real Madrid and Barcelona ended up scoring the first strike of the evening through Iniesta after receiving an assist from Messi. The Madridistas had more chances to score despite this and eventually drew the match from a corner kick served by Ozil; Benzema shot on target and the ball ended up being sent to the back of the net by Ronaldo.
A powerful shot by the Portuguese player was cleared by Valdes and subsequently hit the crossbar on the 25-minute mark. Three minutes later, Ozil tried to score from inside the box, but the Barça keeper again saved the day. Real Madrid were dominating, when suddenly, Messi scored his team's second goal just before half-time (44').
Marcelo came on for Khedira in the second half in order to open up the attack down the wings and put more pressure on the locals. The Whites continued in their search for an equaliser that would keep them alive in the championship, while Barcelona slowed down the game with longer periods of possession. Far from despairing, the Madridistas kept trying. Higuain came on for Di Maria in the 63rd minute, which forced Benzema to play down the wings, and a few minutes later, Ramos grazed the near post by trying to head in a corner-kick (70').
Kaka replaced Ozil on the 81-minute mark and a corner kick served by him was converted into a strike by Benzema only one minute later (82'). Barcelona decided to defend more and, just when it seemed the game would go into extra time, they scored through Messi in yet another effective venture in attack. Marcelo was sent off in the final minute when everything was already lost.
Real Madrid didn't win their ninth Spanish Super Cup title despite being superior to their opponent. Lack of aim and Barça's effectiveness in attack were the only things that prevented them from taking a title they deserved to win for their hard work and winning spirit.
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Purchase official shirts at Real Madrid store Spain |
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Purchase official shirts at Real Madrid store International |
Lineups
| Barcelona | |
|---|---|
| Víctor Valdés | ![]() |
| Dani Alves | |
| Piqué | |
| Abidal | |
| Mascherano | ![]() |
| Xavi | ![]() |
| Iniesta | Goal 15' |
| Busquets | |
Keita 86' | |
| Messi | Goal 45' 89' |
| Pedro | |
Fàbregas 84' | |
| Villa | ![]() |
Adriano 75' | |
| Real Madrid | |
|---|---|
| Casillas | |
| Sergio Ramos | ![]() |
| Pepe | ![]() |
| Ricardo Carvalho | |
| Fábio Coentrão | ![]() |
| Xabi Alonso | |
| Khedira | ![]() |
Marcelo 47' | ![]() |
| Özil | ![]() |
Kaká 79' | |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Goal 20'![]() |
| Benzema | Goal 83' |
| Di María | |
Higuaín 65' | |