It is still anyone’s guess as to who will lift the Spanish Super Cup next week, as the 1 – 1 score line in the first leg of the tie left it wide open.
The match started off at an electric pace, as Atlético Madrid pressed Barcelona whenever they got into the final third, nullifying the Catalans’ possession and made it impossible for them to create any real chances.
In the 12th minute, former Barcelona player David Villa drew first blood as he produced a wonderful finish from distance to put Atletico 1-0 up against the league champions.
Lionel Messi was substituted at the beginning of the second half due to some ongoing discomfort in his thigh.
Cesc Fàbregas replaced the Argentine, but it was shiny new signing Neymar, who came on in the 59th minute, who provided the breakthrough for Barcelona.
The Brazilian headed in a perfect cross from his fellow compatriot Dani Alves to level the score at 1 – 1. Both sides began to tire towards the end, and that made for a relatively scrappy end to the match where tackles came slightly too late and play was frequently stopped.
The second leg of the tie will be played in the Camp Nou in a week’s time.