Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 in Spanish Super Cup

Barcelona came from behind to narrowly defeat Real Madrid 3-2 on Thursday, with Pedro Rodriguez, Lionel Messi, and Xavi Hernandez scoring second-half goals to secure victory for the current holders in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

La Liga champions Real struck first when Cristiano Ronaldo headed home in the 55th minute, only for Pedro to break away and level a minute later.

Andres Iniesta was brought down for a penalty, which Messi converted in the 70th minute, and he then went on a mazy run to set up his Spain team mate Xavi for the third in the 78th.

Angel Di Maria pounced on an error from Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes to grab a second for Real late on that kept them in touch for Wednesday’s return leg at the Bernabeu.

“In the end the result is tighter than we would have wanted considering the chances we created,” Pedro told Spanish television. “We are pleased and now we have to play a good game there if we want to win the title.”

The game had a muted opening, following the pattern of recent clashes, with Barca dominating possession and Real looking to steal the ball and break quickly.

Niggly fouls interrupted the flow but, despite the close attentions of the Real’s players, it was Messi who looked most likely to break the deadlock.