Spanish Super Cup 2012: Barcelona Beat Real Madrid 3-2 in First Leg

Barcelona came from behind to beat eternal rivals Real Madrid 3-2 and take a slender lead from the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup 2012 at the Nou Camp on August 22, 2012. The first meeting of the season between Spain's top clubs lived up to the expectations with over 91,700 fans in attendance.

Ronaldo scored the first goal of this season’s El Clasico with a well-placed header against the run of play 10 minutes into the second half from Mesut Ozil's corner, but Barcelona responded as Pedro equalized a minute later. Lionel Messi’s penalty in the 70 minute and a beautifully worked goal from Xavi put the Catalans’ in the driving seat before a moment of madness from Barca’s goalkeeper Victor Valdes gifted substitute Angel Di Maria a goal with five minutes to go, leaving matters finely poised for the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on August 29, 2012.

Tito Vilanova started with Alexis Sanchez dropping Christian Tello to the bench while Karim Benzema started as the lone striker for Madrid ahead of Gonzalo Higuain.

"I would have preferred 3-1 to 3-2 but we played a good game. The tie is in still in our favour, so generally we have to be happy", Vilanova said after wining his first El Clasico as Barcelona coach.