Barcelona came from behind to defeat their great rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup this evening.
Cristiano Ronaldo put Jose Mourinho's side in front with a header in the 55th minute, but the home side hit back straight away through Pedro Rodriguez.
Tito Vilanova's men edged their noses in front through a Lionel Messi penalty on 70 minutes. The Argentine converted after Andres Iniesta was tripped in the area by Sergio Ramos.
Barcelona scored their third just eight minutes later. Iniesta was involved once again, setting up Xavi Hernandez for a close-range tap-in.
Real Madrid reduced the deficit when substitute Angel Di Maria capitalised on a howler from goalkeeper Victor Valdes to make it 3-2.
The Spanish Super Cup second leg takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu next Thursday.
Mark Langshaw
