Having won the three opening games convincingly, FC Barcelona was no doubt the favourite to win the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday night, as a draw would ensure them the title, but it looked like Real Madrid was destind to lift the cup.
Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal apiece to help Real Madrid win the Spanish Super Cup title, their first win in four years.
Barcelona was the favourite to win the title for more reason than one. They entered the ground on Wednesday after three consecutive wins that included a 3-2 win over arch rivals Real Madrid. They just needed a draw to lift the cup after having defeated their opponent in the earlier game. Moreover, Lionel Messi and his teammates were in good form.
On the other hand, Real Madrid were in dire straits before winning the title. They drew 1-1 with Valencia in the opening game and then lost to Barcelona 2-3 and Getafe 1-2.
Why Barcelona failed on Wednesday night?
Real Madrid did play a good game in the first half. Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo made optimum use of the errors made by the Barcelona defenders. And that made all the difference.
Even before the audience could forget the defensive errors, Barca received another huge setback in the 28th minute after Adriano was sent off after being awarded a straight red card for a reckless foul on Ronaldo.
However, Lionel Messi gave some ray of hope for Barcelona by scoring a spectacular goal from a 35-yard free-kick just before half time. They dominated in the second half in spite of being reduced to 10 men and threatened to bag their four successive title but the efforts were not enough. Real Madrid held on to their nerves and won the title on the away goals rule.
Barcelona paid the price for the 'unforced' errors.
