Spanish Super Cup 2nd Leg 2011: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid [Match Highlights]
Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to make his Barcelona debut, but it was the familiar face of Lionel Messi who inspired the European champions to a 3-2 (5-4 aggregate) win over Real Madrid in a bad-tempered Spanish Super Cup second leg on Wednesday night.
With the scores level after Sunday's 2-2 draw in the first leg, the World Player of the Year set up Andres Iniesta to give Barcelona the lead and, after Cristiano Ronaldo equalised five minutes later, a clever Gerard Pique back-heel sent Messi free to net the second just before the break.
The match looked set for extra-time after Karim Benzema brought the visitors level eight minutes from time, but the irrepressible Messi volleyed a late winner to grab victory for Barcelona.
The match ended in a mass brawl after Marcelo was sent off for a wild tackle on Fabregas, with Mesut Ozil and David Villa also sent off. Madrid boss Jose Mourinho may face disciplinary action after he appeared to tweak the ear of one of the Barcelona staff.
"Marcelo got a red card because we all know what happens after tackles in certain areas of the pitch," Mourinho is quoted in BBC Sport.
"It was a spectacular game from the first to last minute. But from the first minute of the second half, and I don't criticise it because I know people do it, the ball boys hid the balls.
"It happens with small teams when they find themselves in difficulties."
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