Barca win Super Cup despite home defeat by Betis
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-08-21 17:16

BARCELONA, Aug 20 (Reuters) - League champions Barcelona claimed their first trophy of the new season despite losing 2-1 at home to an under-strength Real Betis in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Saturday.

The Catalans, who enjoyed a sparkling 3-0 win in the first leg in Seville last weekend, looked to be on course for another easy victory when African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o put them ahead with an opportunist strike on 15 minutes.

But King's Cup winners Betis, who decided to field a shadow side ahead of next week's Champions League qualifier against AS Monaco, shocked the home crowd when reserve striker Dani grabbed two goals in the space of five first-half minutes.

The rare home defeat took the shine off Barca's sixth victory in the Super Cup.

"It was important for us to win another trophy but it was a shame we couldn't win in front of our home fans at the Nou Camp," Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard told reporters.

"This defeat might just serve as a wake-up call and show us that we can never afford to relax. First we have to work hard and then there will be time for celebrations."

BRIGHT START

Despite resting leading striker Ricardo Oliveira and influential winger Joaquin, Betis made a bright start with reserve strikers Dani and Xisco going close in the opening five minutes.

Barca responded by stepping up the pace and last season's leading scorer Eto'o pounced on an error by centre-back Melli to open the scoring.

The Cameroon striker dispossessed the defender 40 metres out, sped off towards goal and coolly stroked the ball past keeper Pedro Conteras.

With Barca seeming to have the game under control, Ronaldinho showcased his more extravagant ball skills.

But his side were caught out in the 24th minute when former Valencia player Xisco raced down the left wing, found the unmarked Dani with a perfect cross and the pint-sized striker volleyed in.

A little over five minutes later Dani, who scored an extra-time winner to secure Betis's victory over Osasuna in the final of the King's Cup, notched his second goal.

This time he took advantage of a miscued clearance from Barca centre-back Oleguer Presas to bring the ball down with his right foot and score with his left.

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