Barcelona wins European Super Cup in a nine-goal thriller over Sevilla

Barcelona substitute Pedro scored late in extra time to secure the European Super Cup with a 5-4 win over Sevilla in Tbilisi.

Europa League champions Sevilla took a shock lead through Ever Banega in the third minute but Barcelona responded in style with Lionel Messi netting two stunning free-kicks in the seventh and 16th minute giving Barcelona the lead.

Lionel Messi  celebrates after scoring an equalizing goal through a Free Kick

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring an equalizing free Kick

The Catalan side got another goal through a Rafinha tap-in in the 44th minute to make it 3-1 into the break.

Seven minutes into the second half saw Luis Suarez adding the fourth goal for Barcelona making it 4-1, giving the Catalans a comfortable lead.

Sevilla kept on pushing for goals and five minutes later, they pulled one back through Jose Antonio Reyes.

The game came back into life when Kevin Gameiro scored a 72nd-minute penalty reducing the deficit further before substitute Yevhen Konoplyanka leveled taking the game into extra time.

Reported Manchester United target Pedro then came off the bench in extra-time and struck the decisive goal in the 115th minute to give Barcelona a much deserved win.

pedro celebrates after scoring against Sevilla in the European Super Cup

pedro celebrates after scoring the winning against Sevilla in the European Super Cup

“I got the goal but it was down to the work of the team and I am happy with the win,” said Pedro. “When you know you may leave it is difficult. I was angry about not starting the game but as always I tried to be professional and go out and help.”

Sevilla coach Unai Emery was not satisfied with the result rueing missed chances, he said; “We went out looking to be creative and to cause danger,” Emery added

“To get to European finals you need to earn respect and so attack the opposition which is what we did.

“I don’t think that we got the reward we deserved from the game. We had clear chances at the end and Barca were looking worried.”

Barcelona‘s fifth triumph in the competition means that  they have now won four trophies this year, moving them level with AC Milan on the all-time Uefa Super Cup winners list.

Read more on uefa.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.