Barca tops Porto, 2-0, to win Super Cup, Guardiola's 12th trophy

MONACO - Reunited a decade after being teammates in the Barcelona youth academy, Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas linked up again on Friday to help Barca win the European Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over FC Porto, which finished the match with nine men.

Messi, crowned on Thursday as the Best Player in Europe, struck in the 39th minute after collecting a misplaced backpass from Porto midfielder Freddy Guarin. Standing all alone on the edge of the penalty box, Messi then rounded goalkeeper Helton to shoot into an unguarded net.

The Argentina forward found substitute Fabregas with an instinctive pass in the 88th minute that Barcelona's star offseason signing finished with a neat volley.

"He sees special passes and he scores special goals," Fabregas said of Messi. "The biggest part of this goal is thanks to him."

Victory made Pep Guardiola the most decorated coach in Barcelona's history with 12 trophies in just his fourth season. Dutchman Johan Cruyff, like Guardiola a former Barca playing great, has 11.

"To win 12 out of 15 titles is an average of four a year - it's too much, unthinkable!" Guardiola said.

Guardiola passed the credit to his players, who have welcomed back Fabregas eight years after he left for Arsenal as a 16-year-old.

"It's a special generation because these are not only huge players they are also friends," Guardiola said.

"Cesc is a very, very good player. He has everything it takes to play good football in midfield. His goal was a very good pass from Leo and then a very good piece of control from Cesc because he controlled the ball quickly and shot very well."

Fabregas was able to take advantage of extra space after Porto defender Rolando got a second yellow card for tripping Messi in the 86th.

Guarin was then shown a straight red card for a petulant challenge on Javier Mascherano in the 90th.

The teams strode on to the field with Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez carrying the giant-handled Champions League trophy and Porto goalkeeper Helton bearing the heavier Europa League silverware in his arms.

Associated Press

(China Daily 08/28/2011 page7)