The 2011 UEFA Super Cup produced 2 goals for Barcelona and 2 red cards for FC Porto. The Catalans simply gave the Dragons a lot to think about. Now the question remains: who can stop Barca?
It wasn’t an explosive start by Barcelona and striker David Villa apparently felt the pressure. The Spaniard, who became a victim of FC Porto’s offside trap a number of times, produced angry gestures when things didn’t go his way in attack.
Meanwhile, Mascherano seemed shaky in defense as Victor Valdes remained quite busy in post. But the Argentine’s questionable performance didn’t cost Barcelona anything at the break.
On the contrary, FC Porto got punished for a real blunder by Guarin—the sort of mistake no defender must commit, especially not against the invincible Catalans. Lionel Messi was there to capitalize on Porto’s mistake.
La Pulga’s accurate dribbling of the ball deceived goalkeeper Helton. Barcelona had gone in front through luck and skill after 38 minutes, much at the disappointment of the Dragons who had poured out their strength to match Pep Guardiola’s tricks.
In the crowd, a portion of Barcelona fans lighted up fire in celebration of Lionel Messi’s opener. The party had begun and it was set to continue throughout the night.
However, Guarin was out to redeem himself in the second period and his thunder strike in the 54th minute almost paid off; but the alert Valdes stretched himself well enough to keep Barcelona’s goal line clean.
At the other end in a matter of seconds, David Villa came close to doubling the Catalans’ lead. Porto could also thank Pedro for his terrible one-on-one miss as well as the linesman for ruling out Messi’s 66th minute goal.
In the dying minutes, Rolando received a second booking for a foul on playmaker Messi. Being down to 10 men was the last thing coach Pereira could have wished for. Adding to FC Porto’s misery was Cesc Fabregas’ 88th minute goal and Guarin’s 90th minute red card. The Dragons had to finish the night with 2 men down and 2 goals down.
For Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and the entire Barcelona team, another page in the history of football and of the club had been written. FC Barcelona are now the reigning Spanish La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España and UEFA Super Cup champions!
Meanwhile, Mascherano seemed shaky in defense as Victor Valdes remained quite busy in post. But the Argentine’s questionable performance didn’t cost Barcelona anything at the break.
On the contrary, FC Porto got punished for a real blunder by Guarin—the sort of mistake no defender must commit, especially not against the invincible Catalans. Lionel Messi was there to capitalize on Porto’s mistake.
La Pulga’s accurate dribbling of the ball deceived goalkeeper Helton. Barcelona had gone in front through luck and skill after 38 minutes, much at the disappointment of the Dragons who had poured out their strength to match Pep Guardiola’s tricks.
In the crowd, a portion of Barcelona fans lighted up fire in celebration of Lionel Messi’s opener. The party had begun and it was set to continue throughout the night.
However, Guarin was out to redeem himself in the second period and his thunder strike in the 54th minute almost paid off; but the alert Valdes stretched himself well enough to keep Barcelona’s goal line clean.
At the other end in a matter of seconds, David Villa came close to doubling the Catalans’ lead. Porto could also thank Pedro for his terrible one-on-one miss as well as the linesman for ruling out Messi’s 66th minute goal.
In the dying minutes, Rolando received a second booking for a foul on playmaker Messi. Being down to 10 men was the last thing coach Pereira could have wished for. Adding to FC Porto’s misery was Cesc Fabregas’ 88th minute goal and Guarin’s 90th minute red card. The Dragons had to finish the night with 2 men down and 2 goals down.
For Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and the entire Barcelona team, another page in the history of football and of the club had been written. FC Barcelona are now the reigning Spanish La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España and UEFA Super Cup champions!
