FC Barcelona have won the 2014 Catalan Super Cup against Espanyol courtesy of a 4-2 penalty win in Girona.
FC BARCELONA 1-1 RCD ESPANYOL (PEN: 4-2) Goals: 15′ Pique 1-0, 51′ Arbilla 1-1
Penalty Shootout Xavi (goal), Victor Sanchez (goal), Sandro (saved), Arbilla (saved), Halilovic (goal), Albraham (missed), Grimaldo (goal), Jordan (goal), Rakitic (goal).
Luis Enrique fielded out a mixed starting XI with Jordi Masip in goal and Adriano making his return from injury at Right Back. Samper, Sergi Roberto and Rafinha formed the dynamic midfield trio while Luis Suarez started in front, alongside Pedro, who captained the side and Munir El Haddadi.
Barcelona took full charge of the game at the early stages and got the lead on the 15th minute through Gerard Pique, who headed home a beautifully chipped cross from Luis Suarez.
The game ended 1-0 at the interval and Luis Enrique made four half time substitutes by replacing Pique, Bartra, Pedro and Suarez with Edger Ie, Montoya, Adama and Sandro. Espanyol got the equaliser through Arbilla after he sliced in a free-kick on 51 minutes.
Enrique introduced Xavi, Rakitic, Grimaldo and Halilovic into the game and Barca continued to press but all to no avail as the game headed into penalty shootouts due to the 1-1 Full time draw.
Both teams scored their first penalty through Xavi and Victor Sanchez but both Sandro Ramirez and Arbilla’s penalties were saved and it was tied at 1-1.
Alen Halilovic got the next penalty rolling while Espanyol’s Albraham missed. Grimaldo and Jordan both scored their penalties and Ivan Rakitic wrapped it up for the night sealing the victory, 4-2 on penalties.
BARCELONA LINEUP: Masip; Adriano (Montoya 45′), Pique (Ie 45′), Bartra, Alba (Grimaldo 72′), Sergi Roberto (Xavi 61′), Samper (Halilovic 76′), Rafinha (Rakitic 61′), Pedro (Adama 45′), Suarez (Sandro 45′), Munir.