Sevilla win the Super Cup (0-3)

Barcelona have failed in their attempt to win a third European Super Cup. In Monaco, Sevilla were simply the better side on the day and were worthy 3-0 winners against a Barça side that failed to match the level achieved in recent matches.

Barcelona fans will be hoping that this evening's performance was just a one-off. Not only did the Blaugrana display fall way below expectations, but Juande Ramos' Sevilla were simply outstanding and have stated their case as a side to be taken very seriously indeed in the forthcoming league campaign. Danish midfielder Poulsen showed all the promise of being a fantastic new signing for the Andalusians, and with Sevilla scoring two goals in the first half and a late penalty in injury time, Barça rarely threatened to clinch their second official title of the season.

The worst possible start

Frank Rijkaard chose to start the game with the players that had helped win the Champions League the season before, leaving all the new signings on the bench. But it was Sevilla that began strongest, Kanouté almost scoring from a header, before moments later Victor Valdés was unable to hold onto a Fabiano strike that Renato followed up unchallenged to get the game off to the worst possible start for the European champions - 1-0 down after just seven minutes.

It took Barça over a quarter of an hour to come close to the Sevilla goal, and that was from a speculative free kick from long range by Ronaldinho. With Deco distributing the ball in expert fashion, Barça gradually found their feet, but despite taking control of the midfield, they struggled to find the space to get the ball into the danger zone. On one of the few threatening Barça moves of the half, Eto'o probably should have done better on the end of a Ronaldinho through ball. Shortly after Ronaldinho went on a promising solo run that came to nothing, and the half was almost over before Xavi put a Barça shotl on target for the first time, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Sevilla keeper Palop.

Kanouté heads home the second

Since scoring, Sevilla had been content to sit back and play on the counter attack, which created the occasional chance for Kanouté. And the Cameroonian finally got his reward on the stroke of half time. Valdés punched a corner kick away from the area, only for Navas to head it straight back towards Kanouté who, noticing Valdés way off his line, was able to deftly nod the ball goalward and make it 2-0.

Early in the second half, Xavi was taken off as a precautionary measure, replaced by Iniesta, while Gudjohnsen came on for Motta. The Icelander found goalscoring positions twice within five minutes of coming on, but was unable to deliver the goods. Meanwhile Sevilla, determined to enjoy themselves now they had a two-goal cushion continued to create danger, and most of the crowd thought Renato had made it three, but his close range header narrowly went wide of the post.

Barça try to save face

Time was running out for Barcelona, and Giuly was brought on for Sylvinho, leaving just three at the back. But it was too little, too late. Palop expertly prevented Messi from converting a mere tap-in, and shortly after Eto'o was through on goal but was brilliantly tackled by the solid Javi Navarro. Nothing was going right for Barça. Ronaldinho missed the target from a free kick in precisely the kind of position he loves, and Gudjohnsen saw another easy chance go into the side netting.

And then, already into injury time, Antonio Puerta went on an amazing run down the wing, then the by-line, only to be brought down by Carles Puyol. There could be no arguing about the penalty, which Italian Enzo Maresca put away in confident fashion.

Penalty misery in stoppage time

Three down, and it could have been worse. In the dying seconds, Puerta went on yet another solo run, deftly finding his way past Marquez, Iniesta and Puyol but failing to top the move off with a goal.

There was a party atmosphere in Monaco, but it was very much Sevilla's, and not FC Barcelona's fiesta. The defeat will come as a serious reality check for the Barça squad. They may be superior side to Sevilla, but tonight they were worryingly incapable of demonstrating that on the pitch, and the Andalusians were worthy winners of their first ever European Super Cup.  

Second major challenge

An in-form Barça face Sevilla this evening (20:45, A3) in the Louis II stadium in Monaco. At stake is the European Super Cup, the second of seven official titles the club can win this season.

Having won the Spanish Super Cup against Espanyol, put on a stunning display against Bayern Munich at the Gamper, and won four individual honours at last night's Champions League draw, Frank Rijkaard's side could not be in higher spirits going into the match against last year's UEFA Cup winners.

First time ever: FC Barcelona and Sevilla meet in the first ever Super Cup duel between two Spanish teams, after the two clubs scored an impressive double for the Liga last season. All 18,000 tickets for the historic game have been sold already.

Rijkaard's team: With the Spanish Super Cup already won, Barça travel to the Principality with all 23 players. The side has not lost a single game since starting the pre-season at Aarhus in late July. Another Barça win would be the ideal morale booster ahead of the club's first league fixture next Monday at Celta Vigo. And with everybody fit and playing well, there is a buoyant mood of optimism surrounding everything the team does.

The coach, speaking to the press , has once again called for calm, and has said he will not be announcing his team until two hours before the match. There are no injuries, so five players are going to have to be left out.

The rival: Sevilla, meanwhile, are only too aware of what Barça can do, but are not counting out the possibility of springing a surprise. Juande Ramos only has to deal with two important absentees, the injured Aitor Ocio and new signing, Duda, both of whom have travelled to Monaco regardless.

The biggest change to the Andalusian outfit is the inclusion of Chevantón, a forward signed, coincidentally, from Monaco who also has Serie A experience. The striker has been brought in as a replacement for Saviola. Danish midfielder Poulsen has also been signed from Schalke 04, who impressed against Sevilla in last year's UEFA Cup semi final. Right back Hinkel, from German club Stuttgart, has been signed as cover for David Prieto.

Barça in the Super Cup: The players and staff are aware of the importance of this trophy. Barcelona have won it twice in the past. The first time was in 1992-93 against Werder Bremen, and then again in 1997-98 against Borussia Dortmund. Barça have lost three Super Cup matches in the past, in 1979-80 against Nottingham Forest, in 1982-83 against Aston Villa and 1989-90 against AC Milan.