Barcelona started off their competitive season the way they left off last season—by winning trophies. 

 

Frank Rijkaard’s men have already won their first piece of silverware in this infant 2006/2007 season, as they defeated local rivals Espanyol over two legs to take home the Spanish Super Cup, the competitive season opener that pits the La Liga Winners (Barcelona) against the Copa del Rey Winners (Espanyol) of the prior season.

 

Ronaldinho and company pulled out a 1-0 victory away during the first leg at Espanyol’s Montjuic Stadium amid controversy. French international, Giuly supplied the only goal, making it that much easier for Barcelona at home in the Nou Camp for the second leg.

 

Espanyol felt hard done by and made an official complaint citing Barcelona for breaking FIFA rules as Frank Rijkaard employed the services of players, Xavi and Puyol, who had both pulled out of Spanish National Team duty because of injury just three days earlier.

 

The second leg was a much different affair as Barcelona shrugged off their sluggish preseason form and recalled their flow, mastery, and flair that characterized their play throughout most of the last two seasons. Barcelona supporters were euphoric as their team controlled the game from start to finish and produced quality flowing football as wave after wave of attacks kept Espanyol on their back heels.

 

Xavi scored the first goal just minutes into the game as he floated into the six-yard box unmarked to head home a pin-perfect cross from Ronaldinho. Deco then added to the score with a side-footed redirect, finishing off a neat Barcelona build-up as right back Belletti combined well in midfield, raced down the line to receive the return pass, and crossed back from the end-line to find Deco.

 

Deco and Belletti pulled up trumps again early in the second half with a stunning goal that again was the product of great build-up play from Barcelona as Belletti sent in a high cross to the back post looking for Ronaldinho with Deco stepping in, climbing to hit a side-scissors kick past Espanyol’s stunned keeper, Carlos Kameni.

 

The only plight on a winning night was the reaction of striker Eto’o, who left the stadium at half time upset with being substituted for new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen. It may be a sign of things to come as Frank Rijkaard has brought in some new faces this summer to push for positions.

 

With rivals Real Madrid and Valencia also bringing in players to strengthen their squads, the last thing Barcelona needs is player unrest. It will be interesting to see if Rijkaard can manage the star personalities in a growing squad.

 

Next up for Barcelona is the European Super Cup that pits the Champions League Winners against fellow Spanish side Sevilla (winners of the UEFA Cup).

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 26th, 2006 at 2:24 am and is filed under Soccer World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.