Fuente : UEFA (English)
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DEPORTES : Barça greatful for first-leg lead

/noticias.info/ FC Barcelona are celebrating their first honour of the 2005/06 season - as, despite losing tonight's Spanish Super Cup second leg 2-1 at the Camp Nou to Real Betis Balompié, their victory last week gave them the trophy 4-2 on aggregate.

Foregone conclusion
Frank Rijkaard's league champions had the advantage of entering the game in front of their own fans and with a 3-0 advantage from last week's first leg in Seville. Betis coach Llorenç Serra Ferrer, recognising the slim chance of a comeback, had Tuesday's crucial UEFA Champions League third qualifying round trip to AS Monaco FC on his mind and understandably rested the majority of his first-choice side as the Copa del Rey holders look to make the most of a 1-0 lead when they go to the Stade Louis II.

Eto’o strikes
None of this suggested a dramatic night of football was likely to result, but nevertheless the home side were quick to add to their first-leg total on 14 minutes. Samuel Eto'o stole the ball from Betis on the halfway line, raced goalwards and slotted cleanly past Pedro Contreras.

Dani at the double
Betis, on their Super Cup debut, bounced back into the tie almost immediately. Dani Martín arrived at the far post to turn in Xisco Muñoz's cross on 23 minutes. Then Dani latched onto a goalmouth deflection six minutes later to make it 2-1 on the night.

Sixth trophy
However, from that point on neither side looked likely to add to their total, giving Barça their sixth Super Cup, one behind Real Madrid CF, but their first since 1996. The Primera División begins next weekend.

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