Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain from Argentina, right, scores his goal after facing FC Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, left, during a Spanish Supercup second leg soccer match against FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. Photo: Andres Kudacki / AP
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid took advantage of quick goals plus an early sending off to beat 10-man Barcelona 2-1 Wednesday to win the Spanish Super Cup on away goals after the two-legged tie ended 4-4.
Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid in command with goals inside 23 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu to take advantage of Barcelona's poor start.
Adriano was red carded for tripping up Ronaldo as he was set to race clear on goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the 28th to further thwart the visitors' hopes.
But Lionel Messi curled home an exquisite free kick before halftime of another thrilling match between the Spanish giants with the league champions hanging on to beat the cup holders for the title.
Alex Song and Luka Modric debuted for their clubs.