The Spanish Super Cup isn't really the most important piece of silverware in the world, however, the phrase "If you build it, they will come" certainly applies to any Barca-Real clash as 92,000 packed Camp Nou. The coaches may say the game doesn't matter, and that they're more worried about winning La Liga, however, you never see the "B" squad in a clasico.
Last year's Supercopa won by Barcelona became marred by an on-field brawl that may have sparked the fire to some of the most competitive Spanish football ever played between the two sides.
The first half: absolute snoozer. These 45 minutes would have been better spent cleaning my room, taking a nap, or better yet, watching a Europa League playoff mtach. Not so much dazzle, Messi missed a couple chances he normally converts. Other than that, not much action.
Nobody expected a five goal second half however. The focus was all bestowed on the fancy runs of Iniesta, who caused all sorts of trouble for Real.
Goal #1 came on the head of who else? Cristiano Ronaldo, becoming the first Real player to score in four consecutive visits to Barcelona.
Before you could blink, it was all square, and the "Real has the lead... ANDDDDD it's gone" memes were viral. Real didn't get a touch before Mascherano found Pedro, who showed great composure to level.
Shortly after, Iniesta was brought down after Sergio Ramos brought him down after his fancy footwork drew an obvious penalty, which Messi converted.
The 78th minute saw Iniesta do it all himself, beating Khedira, drawing two defenders before laying it off for Xavi who found the ol' onion bag to make it 3-1, and the 2nd leg seemingly wouldn't matter.
AND THEN... A WILD VALDES APPEARS.
Whether Valdes thought he was going to emulate Messi, or just forgot he was in a soccer match, we will never know... but you simply cannot play with the ball inside your box with Di Maria charging. Plenty of time to clear with either foot, and he simply made a fool of himself. Tackle, boom. Goal. 3-2.
NOW, the Supercopa is up for grabs.
Now Real simply needs to win to win the Super Cup. (as long as they don't allow 2+ goals)
Why will they win it? While they're at home, and will have their back, I really don't think they will.
Barcelona looked awfully strong, and with Alex Song and/or David Villa in the lineup next week, they'll be even stronger.
Pepe was missing, however, I don't believe that'll be enough. I see a draw, and Barca retains the trophy.
PREDICTION: Real Madrid 1:1 Barcelona (3:4 agg)
No comments:
Post a Comment