Arda Turan and Lionel Messi lead Barcelona to Super Cup win

Arda Turan and Lionel Messi lead Barcelona to Super Cup win

The ESPN FC crew discuss the transfer rumour surrounding Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo replacing Joe Hart at Man City.

Barcelona eased past Sevilla on Wednesday to win the Spanish Super Cup for the 12th time in the club's history. Arda Turan scored twice and Lionel Messi added a header as the Catalan side won 3-0, completing a 5-0 aggregate victory.

Positives

There were good performances from the club's summer signings, all of whom started the game at Camp Nou. Claudio Bravo also stood out despite all the noise surrounding his future, but Turan was the biggest positive. The 29-year-old's two goals should provide a boost to his confidence after a tricky start to life in Catalonia.

Negatives

A late hamstring injury for Javier Mascherano soured an otherwise comfortable evening for Barca. They were slow to get going, conceding several chances to Sevilla during the opening exchanges.

Manager rating out of 10

8 -- Luis Enrique rotated his squad -- Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez were left out -- and showed off the newfound depth which has been created by four summer signings. Andre Gomes, Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti all looked good.





Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Claudio Bravo, 8 -- It won't be his last game for Barcelona, but it could be his last trophy. The Chilean played more than his part in ensuring it was won, too. He denied Wissam Ben Yedder in the third minute, saved a Vicente Iborra penalty and was smooth throughout in possession. Camp Nou gave him a rapturous reception; they'll be sad to see him move to Manchester City if the transfer does eventually go through.

DF Aleix Vidal, 6 -- One good pass created a chance for Messi in the first half, but he was too inconsistent when presented the ball in attack. It's going to be an interesting battle with Sergi Roberto for the right-back spot this season.

DF Samuel Umtiti, 7 -- A fine debut from the French centre-back, despite the fact it was his handball which gave Sevilla a first-half penalty. Displayed an eye for a pass and was alert to any danger too. Should start on Saturday when La Liga kicks off after it was confirmed Mascherano will be out for a week.

DF Javier Mascherano, 6 -- A characteristic, if not standout, performance from the Argentine ended with an injury. He will miss the game against Real Betis on Saturday with a hamstring strain.

DF Lucas Digne, 7 -- Comes out of the Super Cup win with his reputation enhanced. There were a few questions when Barca signed a left-back rather than a right-back this summer, but on this evidence the Frenchman is going to keep Jordi Alba on his toes.

MF Sergio Busquets, 6 -- Replaced in the final 20 minutes after another typical performance. Led Barca out from the back, with one silky second-half turn catching the eye in particular. Was given a breather inside the final 20 minutes.

MF Denis Suarez, 5 -- Impressed coming off the bench at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday, but struggled to get going in the second leg. Was wasteful on more than one occasion and attempted some unnecessary flicks, handing the ball to Sevilla. He'll have better nights.Arda Turan celebrates scoring the first of two goals in Barca's runaway Spanish Super Cup win.

MF Andre Gomes, 7 -- Like Umtiti, the Portuguese midfielder looked good in his first Blaugrana outing. He was involved in the build up to the first and last goals, with his pass to Digne for Messi's header particularly pleasing. There's more to come from the former Valencia man, but this was a good start.

FW Lionel Messi, 8 -- Created the first goal and scored the third with his head, this was another fine Messi performance. Without Luis Suarez and Neymar in the side, he was able to guide Barcelona to another trophy -- the first which he has lifted as captain.

FW Munir El Haddadi, 6 -- After scoring off the bench in the first leg, Munir was handed the chance to start here. However, despite plenty of decent movement and a lot of effort, there was a lack of substance to his play in the final third.

FW Arda Turan, 8 -- The Turkey international's season is going from strength to strength -- and it's only two games old. He scored Barca's first two goals against Sevilla. His second effort was a superbly struck shot from outside the penalty area which caught Sergio Rico off his line. Unlucky not to have a third some minutes later on a lovely chipped attempt.

Substitutes:

DF Jordi Alba, 6 -- Returned from injury to get a 25-minute run out in place of Digne.

MF Sergi Samper -- Came on for Busquets in the 74th minute to help kill off the match.

MF Ivan Rakitic -- Was lively in a substitute role and nearly scored.