Valdés error gives Real Madrid a chance

A dull first half and a frantic second half. Barcelona dominated the first Superclasico of the season as evidenced by an overwhelming ball possession (73%). Real Madrid had their chances and at times proved to be an irresistible force on the counter-attack. But in the end, Tito Vilanova's boys were far superior and won fairly, although the final score (3-2) very much leaves Los Blancos' chances intact to win the Spanish Supercopa in the second leg.

The tight final score was due to an error by Victor Valdés with five minutes left in the match. The Barcelona goalkeeper fumbled a back-pass in front of Angel Di Maria and the Argentine made no mistake in the 85th minute slotting home for the goal. Until then, the game was closer to a 4-1 in favor of Barcelona than the actual final outcome.

From the very start, Barcelona showed no signs of wanting to change its traditional style of play. Tito's team wanted to possess the ball and to rule inside the pitch. But Real Madrid, with a solid defence, displayed its recognized ability to counter-attack, making sure the home team could not feel at all comfortable during the first minutes. The local club touched the ball in the midfield, but was unable to penetrate the opponent's box.

Gradually, Real Madrid's defence began to show weaknesses allowing Barça to have several shots on goal. Possession was at 73% in favor of the locals in the first part of the first half, a statistic that wouldn't change all game long. Barcelona felt more and more comfortable and enjoyed several chances while Real Madrid had to rely on fast counters, earning some corners and free kicks, but unable to shoot between the poles.

The second half started at a diabolic pace and both teams had its share of good chances during the first minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with an unstoppable header, after a corner kicked by Mesut Ozil (55'). Barcelona's response was immediate. It took only a minute for Pedro to score the equalizer, thanks to a magnificent assist by Mascherano (56'). It was claimed that the Canarian winger was in an offside position, but the assistant referee didn't see it that way.

From that moment on, both teams went on full throttle. The Superclásico was at its very best and the feeling was that anything could happen. But eventually Barcelona managed to show its superiority again. Messi scored a penalty kick (70') after Sergio Ramos took down Iniesta in the area and everything seemed to become easier for the local side.

Iniesta, probably the best player of the match, then gave a brilliant assist to Xavi, who scored the third goal for Barça right in front of Casillas. Everything appeared to be going off without a hitch for Barcelona when suddenly, Di María, who had replaced Callejón, stole the ball from Valdés's feet and comfortably scored before an empty goal. The keeper's gaffe sets the stage for next Thursday's return leg at Bernabéu where the next Superclásico will crown the Spanish Supercopa winner.