An equal match says Javier Mascherano

David villa celebrates his goal against Barca – ©Getty Images

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano said last night’s first leg encounter against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercup was pretty even all round.

The clash ended up a 1-1 draw with goals coming from who else but David Villa against his old club, and Brazilian wonderkid, Neymar.

The game started off as expected with Barca piling on the pressure with Atletico having none of it. Clearly, Diego Simeone’s men had a plan and they were going to stick to it.

It was like watching clash of the Titans with both teams pushing up trying to create space among the suffocating pressure that both teams were exerting.

David Villa has always been a problem for Barcelona. He created mischief when he was at Zaragoza and later on at Valencia. he scored just after 12 minutes with a delicious left footed half volley in the bottom of Valdés left hand corner.

‘El Guaje’ didn’t mind celebrating the goal either. Villa is back in a new team and he means business.

the sides were equal in pressre and intensity and it was up to Cesc and Neymar to make the difference. Fabregas came on for Messi at the start of the second half and gave Barca some much needed depth to their game.

Neymar came on for Pedro in the 13th minute and provided mobility and the goal that tied the first leg of this Supercup draw.

In the end it took just eight minutes for Neymar ‘Junior’ to score his first official goal with the club. He popped up at the far post to finish off a cross from teammate and fellow patriot Dani Alves. The Brazilian connection seemed to have worked.

With the match finely balanced at one goal apiece, neither side were able to inflict another blow on their opponent. This sets up a fantastic second leg and decider at the Nou Camp next week.