Barcelona had to survive a gaffe from goalkeeper Victor Valdes to win the first-leg of their Supercopa clash 3-2 against Real Madrid at the Nou Camp last night. Cristiano Ronaldo headed Real into the lead against the run of play 10 minutes into the second half from Mesut Ozil's corner, but Barcelona responded as Pedro showed great poise to slot home a minute later.
The action then raced from end to end and it was the hosts who forged ahead 20 minutes from time when Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos had brought down Andres Iniesta.
Then a terrific jinking run from Iniesta freed Xavi to stroke home Barcelona's third goal seven minutes later.
However, the visitors were gifted a way back into the tie five minutes from time when Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes tried to dribble around Angel Di Maria and only succeeded in gifting the Argentinian an open goal.
Barca chief Andoni Zubizarreta said: "Mistakes are part of a goalkeeper's career. Victor has saved us far more goals than he has conceded over the years - I'm sure that after tonight he will go on to have a perfect season."