Real Madrid 2 - 1 Barcelona (Spanish Super Cup, 2nd Leg)

Real Madrid removed any shred of doubt that it could come back from the first two match days of the Spanish League, demonstrating once again that it rises to the big occasions and won the Spanish Super Cup in brilliant style. The first half an hour the Whites’ performance was good enough to be framed, to be taught at any football academy, and by this time they had already scored two goals, had another ruled out, had enforced the correct sending off of Adriano and had shot on goal five times, versus its opponents zero attempts. Higuaín and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored for Madrid, while Messi, from a free kick, halved the deficit on the edge of half time. The second half saw the home side’s dominance, opportunities for both teams and the debut of Modric. The ninth Super Cup now forms part of Real Madrid’s trophy cabinet.

Real Madrid: Spanish Super Cup Champion 2012

“The plan is simple: we will attack from the first minute”, ensured Mourinho in the preview. His team, loyal to its coach’s ideas, played with the Portuguese’s brave philosophy until the very end. In minute 2, Higuaín warned of their intentions with a shot from the edge of the area that went over the bar. The Argentine was also the protagonist of the home side’s second opportunity, which was much clearer; however, he was unable to beat the visiting goalkeeper in minute 7 in the one-on-one with Valdés, after a masterly assist from Marcelo. At the third attempt, however, the goalkeeper was beaten. A long ball from Pepe, a mistake by Mascherano when attempting to clear it that Higuaín made the most of to beat Valdés and put his team ahead. In 11 minutes, the Whites had enjoyed three clear chances to score, pressed closer to the opposition’s midfield than in the first leg and were giving the home fans something to cheer about.

The Whites did not want to settle for this slight advantage and four minutes later scored the second goal. A pass by Khedira from within his own half fell between Cristiano Ronaldo and Piqué. The Portuguese beat his marker, controlled in the area and struck the ball with immense power. His shot was blocked by Valdés, but ended up in the net. The Portuguese thus matches Zamorano as the only Madrid players who have scored in five consecutive Classics. 2-0 in less than twenty minutes and attacking pressure from a team that was pleasing its fans in the Bernabeu.

Preview: Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Spanish Super Cup)

As football is a mood regulated by the results and what happens on the field, the degree of importance that has generated the Spanish Super Cup for Real Madrid and Barcelona has mutated. If a week ago Jose Mourinho thought this was the title "less important" now has become an escape to end the crisis of results and game.

Real Madrid will have tonight an opportunity to end the crisis

In terms of need for self-esteem, the five-point gap that has been opened with only two league games played has had the opposite effect in Barcelona. This double clash with Real Madrid was seen as a test to measure the ability of Tito Vilanova as heir of Pep Guardiola. The results of the first two league games have decreased the pressure over the Barcelona coach. The level of game of his team was good against the Real Sociedad and in the first leg against whites. In Pamplona, arbitration and Messi helped him push through a match which has granted him a good advantage to manage.

There is more need for victory in Madrid, beset by their poor start of the course and for all that ultimately means the rival with which to face tonight. In five games at the Santiago Bernabeu as coach of Real Madrid, Mourinho has never won (two draws and three defeats) against Barcelona. Unfinished business that the inacepatable match in Getafe, he said again yesterday, has relegated to second place in the head of the Portuguese coach: "I can lose the Super Cup and the match. For me the key is to know what players I have and what psychological profile they have, individually and collectively. That's all I care", he said. From his words it follows that the Portuguese coach will not measure skills but attitudes.

It remains to be seen whether that priority yesterday was explained by Mourinho matches with the goals of the Real Madrid supporters who digest with surprise that in just two league games their team has been distanced five points behind Barcelona and the rival comes with the possibility of holding a title in the Bernabeu, with what that implies in terms of pride. No team that has generated so many changes in the tactical board of Mourinho. No style that has turned his team so fearful and conservative.

A sector of Real Madrid fans still have not forgotten the ultra-defensive approach in the first leg of the semifinals of the Champions League two seasons ago. It was a hard blow for the white story. Bernabeu's crowd is not accustomed to forgive the defeat, neither the poor play nor lack of boldness.

Expected Starting Lineups:

Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Di Maria, Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema.
Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Alba, Pique, Mascherano, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Messi, Alexis, Pedro.

Real Madrid: Seven matches without a win against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona have left many figures to the story. Barcelona has these last years a winning streak at the Bernabeu, but whites have scored more goals (369-358) that their opponents.

Real Madrid: Spanish Super Cup Champion 1996-1997 (vs Barcelona)

Goals. In the 220 Classics that have been played in history, a total of 727 goals have been scored: Real Madrid scored 369 goals. Barcelona got the rest, 358.

Storm of Classics. With today's clash, twelve classics will have been played in the last 16 months, that is, the same they played in the six-year period that runs from November 2004 to November 2010.

Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid has played 109 times against Barcelona, totaling 60 wins, 24 draws and 25 defeats (4-1-0 in Spanish Super Cup). The total result at the Bernabeu is 45 wins, 21 draws and 21 defeats. In these matches, 373 goals have been seen by the white fans, 232 goals for and 141 against.

Record. Barcelona is the first team in history to achieve seven straight visits without losing at the Bernabeu. FC Barcelona's last defeat in the white field occurred more than four years ago (4-1, 05/07/2008). That was the last time that Barcelona lost possession of ball: has got 252 straight games winning it.

Precedents. For the second time in history, Real Madrid and Barcelona have signed a 3-2 result in Barcelona, in a first leg of a two-game tournament. In the only previous precedent (knockout stages of the Copa del Rey 1996-97), the result of the second leg was 1-1 and the Barcelona overcame the tie. Statistically speaking, this first leg scoreboard gives Real Madrid a 56% chance of winning the Super Cup.

No penalties. The options to see a shootout are pretty slim: there has never been one in the Super Cup of Spain and only five times Real Madrid has won a Classic by 3-2 on home field, the last in 1990. In fact, only has been seen a final decided by a penalty shootout in the history of the Classics. It was in the quarter finals of the League Cup in 1985 and Real Madrid won (4-1).

Bad streak. Real Madrid could start a season without a win after the first four official games, something that has not happened since the year 1973: Real Madrid 0-0 Castellón (09/01/73), Granada 1-1 Real Madrid (09/09/73), Real Madrid 1-1 Real Murcia (09/15/73) and Ipswich Town 1-0 Real Madrid (09/19/73). This would be the fourth time that Real Madrid has a beginning as disastrous (1947, 1952 and 1973).

Mourinho. The Portuguese coach already began his career as a coach without winning any of their first three competitive matches coaching Benfica, but has never started a season with four straight games without winning. He had not had a bad run in the last five years, when he was on the bench of Chelsea.

Mourinho: "It is fundamental to know what players I have"

Real Madrid plays the return leg of the Super Cup in the Santiago Bernabéu against Barcelona and the White’s manager, José Mourinho, analysed the meeting in the lead up to the match in a press conference: “The tie is open. The first leg result can’t change. In the league, we lost the last match at home. In the cup, we lost here and in Barcelona I don’t know how we didn’t win... We drew in the Super Cup and again I don’t how we didn’t win in Barcelona. We are both great teams with some of the best players and anything can happen".

Mourinho at the press conference

The manager knows full well that the match will be tough and that it is difficult to make a game plan, but also that it is an open tie given the result in the first leg. “It is very difficult to make plans for matches and it is tough to makes things go your plan. You don’t know what will happen and matches change on small details. A game plan is very difficult when they have the ball, we have to try and defend well and, when we have it, we have to try and play well, with freedom, and score. If you can call it a plan, it is a basic plan. When they have the ball, defend and, when we have it, we try to score straight away”, explained Mourinho, who added when asked about what the team has to do to defeat Barcelona: “Nothing. You saw the first game just like me. You know how you drew level and you know that going from 1-0 to 1-1 in a single minute is an important difference. The team played well and we will try to perform well again”.

Real Madrid have formalised the signing of the Croatian footballer Luka Modric, and the Portuguese manager spoke about his physical shape and his adaptation into the team. “He is in a normal physical condition for someone who hasn’t trained with his team in a while or even played a lot. He has got minutes under his belt for his national team but nothing else. I think that, given his profile, he won’t need a lot of time to get himself into shape. I think he’ll be ready shortly”. In relation to the position he will take on the field, he pointed out: “Wherever he feels uncomfortable”, he joked: “When we sign a player we know where he feels comfortable, and why we wanted to sign him and why we have taken such a long time. He was our number one target. We know what his game is all about and what his favourite position is. He will play in a position that he calls his own. He certainly won’t be playing as a number 9 or a left-back”.

Barcelona 3 - 2 Real Madrid (Spanish Super Cup, 1st Leg)

Minute 83: Casillas saves at the goal line a Messi's shot at point-blank. It could be 4-1. Minute 84: Valdés tries to dribble to Di Maria, the goalkeeper loses the battle and the Argentinian scores the 3-2. Two plays that summarize a thrilling Classic, emotionally charged in early August. Cristiano scored, Pedrito responded a minute later, Messi appeared, and Iniesta gave up a goal to Xavi. When the Camp Nou fans danced with the Super Cup almost in the bag, Valdés ruined the party. Real Madrid was defeated, but without pain. The white team can achieve the title at the Bernabeu, is still alive.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored again at the Camp Nou

Real Madrid demonstrated in the first half that it is able to adapt to all types of situations. Barcelona, the home team, dominated possession and the Whites, well aware of the fact that they likely have the best counterattack in the world, pressuring the home team’s passing and awaiting their opportunity. The first fifteen minutes of the match passed with no apparent danger, with both teams making their intentions known.

The first chance fell to Barcelona, although they had to wait 28 minutes; a through ball from Alves to Messi, two metres from the penalty spot, who shot wide from in front of goal. The Argentine could have put his team ahead again ten minutes later, but his solo effort ended in the same fashion as his previous shot, wide of the goal protected by Casillas.

Real Madrid demonstrated maturity and defensive solidity. Their display on the turf at the Camp Nou saw reward at the half-hour mark when a counterattack started by Cristiano Ronaldo, continued by Özil and then Callejón was almost completed by Benzema whose through ball was cleared by Mascherano for a corner when CR7 was waiting to finish the move. Two shots from the home side from the edge of the area, one of which was on target, the first in the game, brought the first half to an end. There had been few chances for both teams, two yellow cards for Real Madrid (Alonso and Arbeloa) and one for the home side (Mascherano).

The match did not take long to change entirely. Ten minutes was all Cristiano Ronaldo required to make the most of an Özil corner and put his team ahead with a header. The Portuguese player stole into the box to get ahead of Busquets and scored, ecstatic to be scoring once again at theCamp Nou. By scoring the goal, CR7 becomes the only player in the club’s history to score for the fourth game in a row against Barcelona.

The away side’s joy was short-lived. A long pass from Mascherano from the halfway line was met by Pedro, who beat Casillas with a shot across goal. The goal, which was scored from an offside position, equalised a clash that was starting to liven up due to the clear opportunities created by both sides. Mourinho, aware of the impact of the goal, wanted to give his team more speed and cutting edge up front. Higuaín replaced Benzema, exhausted from all his work, in minute 60. Four minutes later, the Argentine’s move arrived at the feet of Callejón, who shot wide from the edge of the area. The Real Madrid youth team player was replaced by Di María in minute 65’.

The match was wide open, entertaining, but the balance was tipped in Barcelona’s favour with the penalty awarded to Barcelona for the foul committed by Ramos on Iniesta in minute 69. Messi took the penalty and put his team ahead, and eight minutes later they scored the third in a move started by Iniesta and finished Xavi, beating Casillas in a one-on-one.

It appeared that the match was drawing to a close, but this Real Madrid team never surrenders; it comes with putting on the Madrid shirt and is part of its philosophy and with five minutes remaining in the clash Casillas and Di María played an important part in the final result. An unbelievable stop by the Real Madrid captain in a one-on-one with Messi and Adriano beat Di María in the counterattack, passed the ball to Valdés in the home side’s goal and in an attempt to dribble past the Argentine, lost the ball to Di María, who slotted the ball into the goal calmly to silence the Camp Nou. 3-2 was the final result and leaves the title to be decided at the Santiago Bernabeu. Next Wednesday, the Madrid fans will witness how the first title of the season is decided.

Summary

Stadium: Camp Nou
Attendance: 91,728
Goals: 0-1: Cristiano Ronaldo, min.55. 1-1: Pedro, min.56. 2-1: Messi (pen), min.65. 3-1: Xavi, min.77. 3-2: Di Maria, min.84.

Spanish Super Cup 2012: Mourinho's commandments

There is no special plan as such for the match at the Camp Nou, but the team will be expected to fulfil five "must-do", commandments if you will. Recent clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona have demonstrated that Mourinho's strategy has borne fruit, allowing 'Whites' to win the Spanish Cup and last season's league championship. Mourinho is more convinced than ever that these five commandments are the key to success at the Camp Nou.

Jose Mourinho

Besides demanding his team plays with maximum intensity and at a high pace, there are a number of methods he has devised to thwart the threat of an opponent Madrid knows all too well.

Keeping a high line. Pepe's injury is the biggest spanner in the works. With Pepe in the team, the plan was to push the defensive line up as close to the midfield as possible, compressing the pitch and catching Barcelona in the offside trap. Albiol is a different type of centre-back. He is less mobile than Pepe and less accustomed to playing in a high defensive line against an opposition that specialises in creating spaces going forward.

Flooding the midfield. With Pepe out, the rearguard needs extra protection, and one way of doing this is flooding the midfield. The players in the centre of the park will be asked to play as close together as possible. We can't rule out the possibility of Xabi Alonso, Lass and Khedira lining up to form a defensive midfield trio, or a "high-pressure triangle", as Mourinho likes to call it. The idea is to limit the space available and pressure the opposition into making mistakes. Once the team wins the ball back, it will be looking to launch immediate counterattacks. In the last league meeting between the two, in which Madrid ran out 2-1 winners, the pressuring carried out across the pitch was vital in unsettling and neutralising Barça and stifling their talent. As the Madrid players say, "you have to work for each other".

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: 110 years of history

Real Madrid and Barcelona will play today the first Classic of the season (10:30 pm -CET-). It will be the first leg of the Super Cup of Spain, a competition where they have faced five times. In total, 219 games in 110 years of history where they accumulate data and anecdotes.

Spanish Super Cups won by Real Madrid against Barcelona

Classics. Real Madrid and Barcelona have faced in 219 official matches, with a record of 87 white wins, 86 wins for Barcelona and 46 draws. If Barcelona defeats Real Madrid today, will equal in overall victories in the history of the Classic.

Camp Nou. For the second time in history, three straight Classics will be played in the same stadium, the Camp Nou. Not happened since 1916, when Real Madrid was the home team in three consecutive Cup clashes against Barcelona, played in the field of Atletico Madrid.

Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona and Real Madrid have won 18 out of the 28 Super Cup titles (64%). Barcelona leads the list of the Spanish Super-Champions (Barcelona 10, Real Madrid 8).

Cristiano vs Messi: New challenge towards the Golden Ball

The Classic returns, and with it, the duel between the two titans of modern football: Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. Last season the Portuguese tipped the scales in his favor. Messi scored more goals, 82 against 69 by Cristiano (Added the goals with national teams), but Real Madrid won the Spanish League and the Portuguese scored a goal in the Nou Camp which gave them the victory that sealed the title. In Barcelona still remember his gesture calling for calm after breaking the tie just three minutes after the Barcelona goal.

Cristiano vs Messi. Spanish Super Cup 2011

The Super Cup will be the first challenge to measure forces. Last season Messi won the first round in the battle something that Cristiano does not forget and wants revenge. But in addition of the Spanish Super Cup, it is the UEFA's Best Player Award 2011-2012. Although Mourinho talked about this trophy in this way: "The Super Cup is the less important competition of the year", an outstanding performance of either could make a decisive impact in the voting to be held on the day of the gala award ceremony (August 30).

Cristiano and Messi are also the favorite footballers for the Golden Ball with Casillas and Iniesta. Mourinho has no doubt and defended the candidacy of the white number '7': "If there is justice, Cristiano will win". The coach understands that winning the best league in the world should outweigh the number of goals. But the Golden Ball will not be delivered until January so what is going to happen in these months of competition can help Cristiano to increase his advantage with Messi to be the best player in the world.

Against Valencia, Cristiano did not show his best version. The Portuguese is still working to reach his best shape. The Portuguese reached the semifinals of Euro 2012 and started to work with Real Madrid on July 28. Since then he has played 375 minutes (60 of them with Portugal) in which he has scored three goals. Messi, meanwhile, has enjoyed 31 days of vacation and has made full preseason with Barcelona (465 minutes and eight goals). Last season the Argentinian started to work two days before the Super Cup first leg and finished vomiting at the Bernabeu.

Pepe is at home but will not play the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona

Pepe is now resting at his home in Las Rozas after being discharged yesterday morning. Medical tests ruled that the Portuguese central defender has no brain damage, but he suffers a head injury will force him to miss Thursday's first leg of the Super Cup against Barcelona (10:30 pm -CET-).

Pepe on the field after the clash with Casillas

The white defender gave a scare to the point he had to be intubated during his stay in the Hospital La Paz. He slept on Sunday night in the ICU sedated and underwent a first CT to study if the brain had been severely affected by the brutal impact against Casillas, which forced him to be substituted against Valencia. The result showed no damage and yesterday morning underwent a second CT scan did not reveal nothing worrisome.

This was explained by the head of Madrid's medical services, Dr. Carlos Diez: "Testing has gone negative. Pepe spent the night under observation and all went very good so we have decided, under the supervision of club medical services, that the player can leave the hospital with no problem".

Pepe left La Paz Hospital at 1:10 pm discreetly to avoid the presence of press and onlookers who were in the emergency room and left the room by the emergency child exit, on the other side of the building. The Portuguese was last night under supervision at his own home (the protocol established for these cases dictates a 24-hour medical observation) and although had improved in the hurts of trauma, the feeling in the club is not to force him to return to play the Spanish Super Cup to be held on Thursday at the Camp Nou. Mourinho said after the match against Valencia: "The Supercup is a game and nothing more. Pepe is more important".

In principle, the player will be already fully fit for the next Sunday's match against Getafe (9:00 pm) and for the second leg of the Super Cup on Wednesday 29 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, his substitue to play with Ramos for the first Classic of the 2012-13 season is already decided and will be Albiol. The Spanish international (recently renewed until 2017) was called by Mourinhoto to replace Pepe for the second half after the injury. The Portuguese coach was finally satisfied with the performance of the former Valencia defender and will give him other opportunity against Barcelona.

Real Madrid: Spanish Season 2012/13 Schedule

Real Madrid will start the Spanish League season against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on 18/19 August. It will be the first offical match played by the white team in the next season because the Spanish Super Cup (against Barcelona) will be played on August 23/30. The first Classic in 'La Liga' will take place in Barcelona on October 7.

The Spanish League (La Liga) 2012/13 Matchday 1 clashes were announced in the championship draw at the assembly of the Spanish Football Federation. Real Madrid will face Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday, August 19. White teams's last match of the championship will be against Osasuna in Madrid on June 1. The Classics will be held on October 7 in Barcelona and March 3 in the Spanish capital. The derbies against Atletico Madrid will be held on December 2 at the Bernabeu and on April 28 at the Vicente Calderon.

REAL MADRID: LA LIGA 2012/13 SCHEDULE

1st ROUND

1. Real Madrid - Valencia (08/19/12)

2. Getafe - Real Madrid (08/26/12)

3. Real Madrid - Granada (09/02/12)

4. Sevilla - Real Madrid  (09/16/12)

5. Rayo Vallecano - Real Madrid (09/23/12)

6.  Real Madrid - Dep. La Coruña (09/30/12)

7. Barcelona - Real Madrid (10/07/12)

8. Real Madrid - Celta (10/21/12)

9. Mallorca - Real Madrid (10/28/12)

10. Real Madrid - Zaragoza (11/04/12)

11. Levante - Real Madrid (11/11/12)

12. Real Madrid - Athletic Bilbao (11/18/12)

13. Betis - Real Madrid (11/25/12)

14. Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid (12/02/12)

15. Valladolid - Real Madrid (12/09/12)

16. Real Madrid - Espanyol (12/16/12)

17. Málaga - Real Madrid (12/22/12)

18. Real Madrid - Real Sociedad (01/06/13)

19. Osasuna - Real Madrid (01/13/13)

2nd ROUND

20. Valencia - Real Madrid (01/20/13)

21. Real Madrid - Getafe (01/27/13)

22. Granada - Real Madrid (02/03/13)

23. Real Madrid - Sevilla (02/10/13)

24. Real Madrid - Rayo Vallecano (02/17/13)

25.  Dep. La Coruña - Real Madrid (02/24/13)

26. Real Madrid - Barcelona (03/03/13)

27. Celta - Real Madrid (03/10/13)

28. Real Madrid - Mallorca (03/17/13)

29. Zaragoza - Real Madrid (03/31/13)

30. Real Madrid - Levante (04/04/13)

31. Athletic Bilbao - Real Madrid (04/14/13)

32. Real Madrid - Betis (04/21/13)

33. Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid (04/28/13)

34. Real Madrid - Valladolid (05/05/13)

35. Espanyol -Real Madrid (05/12/13)

36. Real Madrid - Malaga (05/19/13)

37. Real Sociedad - Real Madrid (05/29/13)

38. Real Madrid - Osasuna (06/01/13)

About the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid and Barcelona will come face to face on 23 and 30 August at the Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, respectively. They will be the first two Classics of the season 2012-2013.

REAL MADRID: SPANISH SUPER CUP 2012/13 SCHEDULE

1st Leg: Barcelona - Real Madrid 08/23/12)

2nd Leg: Real Madrid- Barcelona (08/30/12)

Real Madrid refuses to play the Spanish Super Cup in Beijing

At the recent board of clubs held at the headquarters of the Spanish League Association (LFP) Real Madrid and Barcelona reached an agreement because they do not want to abide the contract that the Spanish Football Federation (FEF) has signed with the Beijing government. The contract has a clause: Five editions of the Spanish Super Cup will be played in China's capital, the first in August 2013.

Spanish Super Cup 2011: Real Madrid vs Barcelona

This is an agreement, promoted by the two greats teams of the LFP, and will be supported by all the clubs. In this regard, and to formally unify the refusal in a document, Real Madrid and Barcelona agreed to hold a meeting these days at the headquarters of the LFP, where all the teams will sign the agreement to send it to the Spanish Federation chaired by Angel Maria Villar.

According to Real Madrid and Barcelona, Villar has acted unilaterally in negotiating this contract with China, ignoring the interests of every club in the LFP; sporting, social and merchandising. The Federation is responsible for organizing the Super Cup of Spain, in this there is no possible reply, but the clubs understand that the decision to play it in China should have been agreed.

As is known, the FEF signed the contract with Beijing, officially on June 1,despite the federal establishment denied all the informations about this. Jorge Perez, Spanish Federation's general secretary, signed the agreement in the Chinese capital, to hold five editions in seven years, in exchange for 35 million euros.

Real Madrid and Barcelona think that the contract violates the federation statutes and is harmful in every way; the schedule to travel to Beijing, the fans and of course the commercial deal with the brands that sponsor them. The LFP teams will join the complaint and the FEF will have to give up or there will be a serious conflict.

Two-match ban for Mourinho

Alfredo Florez, single judge of the Spanish Football Competition Committee, gave yesterday his verdict on events that occurred in the second leg of the SuperCup of Spain. The Mourinho's finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova has caused a two-match ban and a 600 euros fine for the coach of Real Madrid. Competition Committee has considered it a mild action so Mourinho will miss mathces on the next round of the Spanish SuperCup, never in the Spanish League nor King's Cup (Spanish Cup).

Mourinho's finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova

In the case of Tito Vilanova, the penalty is only one game and is fined 600 euros. Like the Portuguese, only to apply in the Spanish SuperCup. Now both clubs have the option to appeal to the Appeals Committee, but Real Madrid and Barcelona have accepted the sanction.

Do not forget that it all started when, on August 22, the single judge of Competition decided to open a extraordinary file in which Mourinho's attitude was considered serious and the acts of the Barcelona's coach assistant as mild reaction. The opening of this file was something unprecedented. For years it did not happen because the Competition Committee only evaluates facts in the file of arbitration.

Then, the dossier went to the hands of the judge, Rafael Alonso. This occurred in late August so the decision would not take place until early October because of all the bureaucratic process. It was then when the time came all key, the appeals process. Barcelona did not submit, but Real Madrid did.

The line of argument of Real Madrid, among many things, was that if was considered the Mourinho's acts as serious actions, should be the same with the aggression of David Villa to Özil. Also, Real Madrid understood that there was provocation of Barca coach and felt that there was no harmful element. That is, Tito Vilanova never had to receive medical care by the action of Mourinho.

The judge Alonso analyzed all the elements and appreciated a penalty to Mourinho of two to three games, but reduced the rating of serious, as was initially, to mild. Only this change meant that Mourinho no longer would have to serve the penalty in the League or Cup, it would always be in the same competition, the Super Cup of Spain.

Then it was reported back to the clubs so they could file new claims, a period which expired on Tuesday. After the period, Rafael Alonso issued his final proposal to the single judge of the Competition Committee, Alfredo Florez, who made ​​it official yesterday.

Real Madrid reports provocation and attacks in Barcelona

From announcement to another. After the decision of the Competition Judge in the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) opening an investigation after what happened in the second leg of the Super Cup of Spain, in a statement issued on its website, the Real Madrid reports provocation, insults and attacks in Barcelona.

"Real Madrid CF wishes to say the following regarding the decision of the competition judge of the Spanish Football Federation to open an investigation following the incidents occurred in the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup:

1. Real Madrid CF has from the beginning opted to show prudence and responsibility so as not to feed the tense atmosphere created by such events.
2. Real Madrid CF wishes to express how surprised it is to see this investigation is being ordered five days after the match, curiously just a few hours after the President of FC Barcelona publicly demanded the Spanish Football Federation to take action.
3. Real Madrid CF wishes said investigation absolutely clarifies what happened during and after the match. The club wishes it throws light onto the provocations, humilations, insults and aggressions that our first team squad and coaching staff were subjected to both on the pitch and inside the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms. These things regrettably gave way to the incidents that took place.
4. Real Madrid CF will continue to defend this entity's inherent values and will always strive for the greatest collaboration possible between clubs and institutions throughout the world"

Mourinho is very sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

Jose Mourinho is not happy with Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid coach knows he made a huge mistake last Wednesday at the Nou Camp putting his finger in the eye of TitoVilanova, assistant coach of FC Barcelona. Is sorry for his behavior and so he has told his circle of trusted people, both his ​​family and close friends.

Mourinho knows that nothing justifies such action. For many provocations he received or how hot they were the last minutes of the game, there is no reason to attack a person. Also knows that the mistake was higher because he was the person who should set an example to his players in those difficult moments and also represented Real Madrid.

The next day, naturally calmer and with hindsight, Mourinho realized that he had exceeded and that he should control his nerves at the time of high tension that was lived in the Camp Nou field. He also knows he was wrong in the press conference with his contempt, when he called Tito Vilanova, 'Pito' (Translation: Whistle or... cock)

Mourinho knows what represents as coach of Real Madrid and that the action is not appropiate to the position he has. It was too late to rectify, but if a similar situation occurs again, he would act very differently. He is very clear.

Mourinho is sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

Mourinho: "We feel like we played two very good games"

Mourinho at the press conference after the match

Jose Mourinho spoke to the press to analyse the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona at Camp Nou. The end result was bad but wanted to highlight the good game made by the team in two matches of this competition.

"Real Madrid gave a spectacular performance from the first to the last minute. I just say what I think. We came here to play. What I'm about to say is not a criticism, I'm just stating a fact: there were no ball-boys in the second half, which is something typical of small teams when experiencing difficulties. What happened simply happened, but I'm nevertheless happy with my team".

"We feel like we played two very good games in their entirety. This team is better than it was last year. The longer you work with people, the better the conditions are to have a better year. We played nine games this preseason and proved to be better than we were last year in the last two. I'm happy with the progress my men have made".

"The referee must punish what he deems punishable. Pepe and Marcelo played a great game, one for the entire 90 minutes and the other for 45. Pepe saw a booking for a minor tackle and Marcelo gave a great performance. I'm not going to say we're happy because we didn't win the Spanish Super Cup; that would be hypocritical of me. We intend to play like men and not fall on the ground at the slightest touch".

Mourinho declined to say nothing of his attitude toward Tito Vilanova, Barcelona assistant coach. Mourinho stuck a finger in the eye of Vilanova and the image has not liked in the Real Madrid: "He is the first to know that this image is not good for him or for the club". According to the club, what happened is explained, without wanting to justify what Mourinho did, because: "What it should not be allowed is that Tito Vilanova spends all the match with challenging gestures and insulting us".

Spanish Super Cup (2nd Leg): FC Barcelona 3 - 2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid has become fearless, has increased his strength and kept bravery that excites Mourinho, but not enough to win Barca, When Messi is placed in the balance, continues to weigh more. The Argentine is the dam that stops a growing Real Madrid. Even short of fitness, as now. Spanish Super Cup stayed at the Nou Camp after a match that began sunny and bitterness, but ended with the same bad temper and reprehensible uproar of the last storm classics. Marcelo, Özil and Villa lost their minds in and finished sent-off on the street.

It was a match played out of breath. At 39 seconds Cristiano had sent a poisoned ball to Valdes, with half a dozen players from Madrid tightening at the security perimeter of Barcelona. Guardiola played with the starting line up that won the Wembley final of the Champions League, unequivocal proof that behind the mist of rotations appears the clarity of the untouchables. But the untouchables did not look good. A Xavi's pass failure served the first chance of Madrid. Pique walked without speed, which is to drift. Busquets did not offer great solutions and Pedro defended himself well against Coentrao, but did not have the force of Alexis.

Messi won the title for FC Barcelona

Real, as in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, returned to be above for a long time, with gestures of courage, strength and without give the ball to Barca, which out of habit without it was mishandled. Its playing has an anesthetic effect, discouraged and empty physically the prey. Real Madrid did not tolerate it this time, but 'swallowed' a goal before the first quarter of an hour with no reasons. White team had been better before and after that pass from Messi leaving Iniesta face to face with Casillas, unable to guess the subtle touch. Iniesta was not Robben. Even away from the plentitude, Messi is credited as insurmountable as the last barrier that is resistant to Madrid. Hence the efforts of Florentino Perez to sign Neymar, who he sees as a possible clone of the Argentine.

The 1-0 showed the mismatches of the Real Madrid, hungry and offensive. Its central defenders and Ramos have tuning troubles to defend the counter-attacks. Coentrao sweats blood as left side defender. However, the team offered the best possible face: Pepe, fast and smart as a hare, but again close to vandalism in a foul on Messi and a nudge on Pique. Cristiano Ronaldo, fast, furious and scorer. Benzema, eager to finish every play. Not accompanied by Özil, who looks cannot play all kind of matches and without the pressure of Kaka.

And Real Madrid was adding opportunities until tie with a goal by Cristiano (end to the curse of the Camp Nou), before a beautiful shooting; Great saves by Casillas against Pedro and Messi, hand and foot. A Cristiano Ronaldo's missile to the bar followed by a Özil's diagonal shot that Valdes saved with many problems. Until a new emergence of Messi after a heel pass by Pique (luxuries are available to all in Barca), what froze again Mou's team in a psychological moment, the stroke of half. The same blow from four days ago. The same feeling that FC barcelona sends team to the canvas without effort.

Marcelo came on for Khedira in the second half in order to open up the attack down the wings and put more pressure on the locals. The Whites continued in their search for an equaliser that would keep them alive in the championship, while Barcelona slowed down the game with longer periods of possession. Far from despairing, the Madridistas kept trying. Higuain came on for Di Maria in the 63rd minute, which forced Benzema to play down the wings, and a few minutes later, Ramos grazed the near post by trying to head in a corner-kick (70').

Kaka replaced Ozil on the 81-minute mark and a corner kick served by him was converted into a strike by Benzema only one minute later (82') just before the Fabregas' debut with Guardiola's team. Barcelona decided to defend more and, just when it seemed the game would go into extra time, they scored through Messi in yet another effective venture in attack. Marcelo was sent off in the final minute when everything was already lost. It begins to look like a nightmare that cannot be finished.

Cristiano Ronaldo regrets the final score

Summary

Stadium: Camp Nou
Attendance: 92,965
Goals:1-0: Iniesta, min.15. 1-1: Cristiano Ronaldo, min.20. 2-1: Messi, min.45. 2-2: Benzema, min.81. 3-2: Messi, min.88.

Spanish Super Cup (1st Leg): Real Madrid 2 - 2 FC Barcelona

Real Madrid did everything in their power to defeat Barcelona, but it wasn't to be. Tonight's match proved football is sometimes unfair. Barça scored from the only two chances they had on Casillas' goal. The Whites fought to the end supported by their fans.

Great performance without good result

Real Madrid's pressure close to Valdes' goal surprised Barcelona, who seemed to marvel at the physical prowess of Mourinho's men. Guardiola's players didn't feel comfortable on the pitch and the crowd roared in support of every local venture in attack. The Whites scored their first goal on the 12-minute mark through Özil, who was assisted brilliantly by Benzema on the box line after dribbling past Abidal. The locals continued to search for more strikes and the Frenchman had a good chance in the 28th minute that was cleared by the keeper.

But just when everyone expected Real to score again, Villa pulled rank and defeated Casillas with a great shot from outside the box (35'). The strike was a harsh blow to Mourinho's side, but nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo kept trying for a winner and came close to netting it with a shot that marginally missed the target. Football was yet to be cruel once more with the Madridistas and Messi, having capitalised on Pepe slipping inside the box, found himself alone with Casillas and defeated him on the 45-minute mark.

Real Madrid continued their onslaught on Valdes' goal after half-time, spearheaded by the injustice of fate. Mourinho made Fabio Coentrao come on for Di Maria (53') and the equaliser soon followed: Ozil served a corner kick, the ball was deflected and landed at Pepe's feet, the defender controlled it and passed it back to Xabi Alonso, who scored from a great crossed shot.

Callejon came on for Khedira minutes later (57') and the team continued having plenty chances to score. A free-kick by Ronaldo missed the mark in the 63rd minute, a header by Benzema was saved by Valdes on the 66-minute mark, and possession clearly belonged to Real Madrid. But no more goals were scored and the clock was ticking. Higuain came on for Benzema in the 80th minute and two minutes later followed the most controversial play of the game: Valdes tripped Cristiano Ronaldo inside the box with his right arm and the referee failed to award a penalty. Barcelona also demanded a penalty after Pedro was tackled inside the box close to the end of the match but none was awarded either. The final minutes of the game saw Real Madrid put on a siege on Valdes' goal and Barcelona defending themselves any way they could.

In the end, a superior Real Madrid side only managed to draw the match and will have to fight to win the title at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 79,528
Goals: 1-0: Özil , min.13. 1-1: David Villa, min.36. 1-2: Messi, min.45. 2-2: Xavi Alonso, min.55.