US Open Preview and Draws,Begins 27th August 2012

1.Roger Federer lost the "who gets Andy Murray on his side of the draw" sweepstakes. The top-seeded Federer gets No. 3 seed and reigning Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray in a potential semifinal, while Novak Djokovic will enjoy an easier path to the final that would include No. 4 seed David Ferrer. Djokovic can thank the Rafael Nadal's balky knees for the easy draw.The rivals have played in the semis at the Open every year since 2008. Federer won the first two and Djokovic, famously, took the last two, saving match points in each. A potential meeting in the final would be their first in a Slam since the 2007 U.S. Open.Federer may have trouble getting that far, as his draw is far from a cakewalk. The five-time champ could see two-time quarterfinalist Fernando Verdasco in the third round, former top-10 player Mardy Fish in the fourth and the always-dangerous Tomas Berdych in the quarters. All told, this sets up to be one Federer's toughest draws in recent years.

2.On the women's side, the draw also didn't do any favors for top seed Victoria Azarenka. She could see big-serving Sabine Lisicki in the fourth round and faces a potential quarterfinal meeting with defending champion Sam Stosur. And they aren't even the biggest threats in the quarter. No. 23 seed Kim Clijsters is in Stosur's section. All she's done is go unbeaten at the Open since 2004. The Belgian won in 2005, 2010 and 2011. She missed the other years with injuries. Clijsters has said she'll retire after the tournament.

3. Serena Williams will have no complaints -- consider her draw a reward for her grueling back-to-back at Wimbledon and the Olympics. The next highest seed in Serena's draw is Caroline Wozniacki, a player who's hardly a threat while healthy, let alone with a nagging injury that affected her in a Thursday win over Dominika Cibulkova in New Haven.

4. Seeded players breathed a temporary sigh of relief when unseeded Venus Williams drew a wild card in the first round. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, a former seed herself, did not. The tattooed American has had bad enough luck with injuries over the past 18 months. She's played ITF events this summer, had to qualify to get into Cincinnati and needed a wild card for the U.S. Open. She'll play Venus in round one.

5. Speaking of struggling Americans with draws that won't help the rebuilding process: Donald Young made the fourth round at last year's U.S. Open, a result which was supposed to usher in a new era for the former American teen sensation. Instead of springboarding himself into a top player in the world, Young did a face plant. His record is 3-21 this year. His reward: A first-round meeting with Roger Federer.

6. This year's comeback hero, Brian Baker, has a winnable first-round match against No. 94 Jan Hajek. Baker, who was out of the game for seven years with various injuries, will be playing in his first U.S. Open since 2005, when he defeated French Open champion Gaston Gaudio in the first round. The American could face No. 8 Janko Tipsarevic in the second round.

7. Best first-round match: Juan Martin Del Potro (7) vs. David Nalbandian. An Argentine grudge match.

8. Best potential second-round match: Angelique Kerber (6) vs. Venus Williams. Could an Olympic rematch be at hand? Kerber, the rising German player, will have to go through Venus Williams if she wants to make her second-straight Open semifinal. The two women played in the London Olympics and Kerber gutted out a tough 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) victory.

Barclays Premier League Match-Week 2 Previews

Preview-Manchester United Vs Fulham:

Fulham's opening-day hero Mladen Petric has warned they cannot win 5-0 every week as the Londoners prepare for a trip to Manchester United.Petric scored twice and set up another goal in Saturday's rout of Norwich, his first league match for Fulham after joining from Hamburg in June.Despite his heroics, the Croatian striker was eager to focus on the collective effort of Martin Jol's side after the game."I'm happy I was able to provide the assist but most important were the three points and that we played a good game together as a team," Petric said. "It wasn't just one or two of us who played well."We didn't concede a goal, we defended very well, and that was important in a big first game."It was a fantastic day for us with an amazing crowd but of course, it cannot be like that every week."Petric scored 45 goals in 89 games across four seasons with Hamburg and while the 31-year-old Croatian struggled last term, Fulham manager Jol believed he was worth a gamble.Jol and Petric worked together when the Dutchman was head coach of Hamburg in the 2008/09 season."I feel, especially if you are not Barcelona or Real Madrid or Manchester United or Chelsea, you should get quality in when they are not playing well," Jol said. "That is what I did with Petric."United are Fulham's next opponents and the Red Devils will be desperate to get on the winners' list after they lost 1-0 away to Everton on Monday.Everton took advantage of Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to play midfielder Michael Carrick in central defence as big Belgian attacker Marouane Fellaini dominated United and scored the winning goal.Jonny Evans was expected to return from an ankle injury against Fulham but Ferguson believes neither he, nor fellow defenders Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling or Phil Jones will be fit in time for the clash at Old Trafford.After a 5-0 opening day victory, Jol is expected to name the same line-up against United with Alexander Kacaniklic also having impressed against Norwich.The 21-year-old Swedish midfielder scored from Petric's flick-on to make if 4-0 on Saturday and was a constant menace for Norwich's defenders.

Preview-Swansea City Vs West-Ham United:

Swansea have won three of their last six when running into last season including the 5-0 win at QPR last time out. You have to go back to April 6 and a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle for the last loss at the Liberty. West Ham have won every one of their last six if you include last year’s results, including the wins over Cardiff in the play-off and Saturday’s opening day win at home over Villa.It’s the first time the two teams have met in 13 years, Swansea securing a famous FA Cup scalp in one of the Vetch’s most memorable nights. After a 1-1 draw at Upton Park, Martin Thomas helped John Hollins’ side dump Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and a certain John Hartson out in the third round in the replay.Kevin Nolan Is the Key Player for WHU.

Preview-Norwich City Vs Queens Park Rangers:

Norwich City welcome Queens Park Rangers to Carrow Road on Saturday with both sides looking to avenge their disastrous opening day defeats.Both Chris Hughton and Mark Hughes watched on as their teams were humiliated 5-0 against Fulham and Swansea respectively.New signings Michael Turner and Robert Snodgrass debuted for Norwich but were unable to prevent defeat and Hughton has called on his troops to bounce back this weekend. "You have to remember it's the first game of the season. Defeats are defeats, and you have to be able to bounce back and learn from them," he told the club's official website."We got a harsh lesson, and the players and myself need to learn from this. We need to make sure it makes us stronger and more resilient."Norwich completed the double against QPR last season, recording two 2-1 victories.But it will be a different encounter with the west London side also reeling from their loss to Swansea, which Hughes described as 'embarrassing'."If you're not careful it can be embarrassing if you're two or three behind and you're chasing the game," he said."It was certainly that." Debutants Robert Green, Junior Hoilett, Fabio and Park Ji-Sung all started the match but offered little against the Welsh outfit, who had failed to score in five of their previous six trips to Loftus Road.Hughes is known for his ruthless approach so expect to see QPR up and about for this clash from the beginning. 

Preview-Aston Villa Vs Everton:

Aston Villa's Charles N'Zogbia has conceded he must contribute more in the front third as his side brace for Saturday's meeting with Everton.Frenchman N'Zogbia played 24 matches for Villa in the English Premier League last season, scoring two goals and contributing four assists.The 26-year-old attacking midfielder believes he can do a lot more for his team up front this season."I definitely need to be getting a few more goals and a few more assists, that would be good," N'Zogbia said. "The thing I've got in my mind is just to play my best, to show my skills and that would be a good start." Villa finished 16th last season and started the new campaign with a 1-0 defeat away to West Ham.New manager Paul Lambert will be disappointed with his side's failure to score having had 66 percent of possession at Upton Park.Lambert selected Darren Bent, Stephen Ireland, new signing Brett Holman and N'Zogbia as the main attacking threats in his line-up and although Villa managed 13 shots to West Ham's eight, the visitors from Birmingham only hit the target twice.Lambert's Everton counterpart, David Moyes, will be thrilled with his side's opening-round result after they defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Monday.Everton will head to Villa Park hoping they can build some momentum after their victory at home over United.Moyes' side have not won more than three of their opening 10 matches of a league season since 2007/08, and the Scot is desperate to change that this time around."We haven't started recent seasons very well and even tonight's result doesn't tell you we have started the season well, just as if we had lost tonight, we wouldn't have said we'd started the season badly," Moyes said."I think you judge how you have started a season after 10 games. "I've tried just about everything to try and get off to a good start and we tried something else this year."Moyes has a couple of injury concerns leading into Saturday's game with striker Nikica Jelavic and defender Sylvain Distin picking up knocks against the Red Devils.

Preview-Tottenham Vs West-Bromwich Albion:

Andre Villas-Boas was unable to make a winning start to life at Tottenham and it will not get any easier against West Bromwich Albion.Tottenham, who have failed to win at St James Park since 2004, were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle on Saturday after Hatem Ben Arfa converted an 80th minute penalty for the hosts.Demba Ba put Newcastle nine minutes ahead in to the second half before Jermain Defoe, Spurs' loan striker, levelled proceedings on 76 minutes and Villas-Boas heaped praise on his sole marksman."He always has this killer instinct," he said. "He scored in midweek for his country, scored for us during pre-season and again (at Newcastle)."He is showing that touch that we need up front."However, Defoe may not be alone for much longer with Emmanuel Adebayor close to rejoining Tottenham permanently.As for West Brom, the Midlands outfit is coming off a remarkable 3-0 victory over Liverpool at The Hawthorns in Steve Clarke's first match as manager.Clarke's side had only recorded one win in 11 English Premier League encounters with Liverpool at home, which dated back 31 years but emphatically ended their dismal run on the opening day courtesy of a stunning strike from Zoltan Gera and goals from Peter Odemwingie and Romelu Lukaku.Clarke's name echoed around the stadium as West Brom handed Liverpool their worst opening day defeat in 75 years and they head to White Hart Lane with their tails up.Defoe was the hero when these two sides last met in January, with his 63rd-minute goal proving the difference but both clubs have witnessed changes in coaches and philosophy since.

Preview-Southampton Vs Wigan Athletic:

There was plenty to like about Southampton despite their 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, while the same could not be said about Wigan.Southampton had only lost one of their last five league games away to City heading into the match, and although times have significantly changed, the newly promoted side came within a whisker of taking all three points on their return to the Premier League.Steven Davis, formerly of Rangers, and Rickie Lambert cancelled out the opening goal from Carlos Tevez to hand Nigel Adkins' side a surprise 2-1 lead against the defending champions with less than 20 minutes remaining.But they were eventually pegged back through goals from Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri.Adkins walked away heartened by the display of his charges, even if he was a little disappointed not to have at least claimed a point."I'm obviously very proud of the players, but it's about winning games of football that's our endeavour," he said.Next up for Southampton is a match against Roberto Martinez's Wigan at St Mary's.Wigan were outplayed by Chelsea in their league opener and looked off the pace but showed signs of progression in the 2-0 defeat according to midfielder James McArthur."When you look at what happened against Chelsea here two seasons ago, it just shows you how far we've come since then," he said."Going two behind so early might have made people think here we go again but, we showed great mental strength and put them under pressure for the majority of the game."And the former Hamilton Academical midfielder is well aware of the threat Southampton will pose."They're going to be raring to go and we know what we need to do because we played all three promoted teams in a row last season and we know that they're going to come out all guns blazing," the 24-year-old said."We need to impose ourselves on every game because with our style of play it helps to stop other teams controlling the match."

Preview-Sunderland Vs Reading:

Reading travel to the Stadium of Light for the first time since Sunderland's promotion to the English Premier League in 2007.Sunderland hosted Reading in September 2007 following their return to the top flight after Roy Keane guided the club to an unbeaten run of 17 games and top spot in the Championship.Kenwyne Jones and Ross Wallace found the back of the net in a 2-1 victory on a day Sunderland paid tribute to club legend Ian Porterfield, who had passed away a week earlier.Since that memorable day almost five years ago, Sunderland has new owners and a new manager in Martin O'Neil.The former Aston Villa and Celtic manager was given the task of reinvigorating the club's fortunes in December last year and his team's campaign got off to a promising start with a goalless draw at Arsenal on the opening day.New signing Carlos Cuellar was a standout performer on his debut and the Spaniard believes his team can mix it with the best on their day."It's very important to start well because you realise you are a strong team, have quality players and you can beat anyone," the ex-Aston Villa defender said."To play against Arsenal, one of the top teams and favourites to reach the top four, and get a point a point with chances to score, it's a good game to build your confidence."If you're working and doing your job properly, you can get a result against anybody."As for Reading, they have endured a mixed start upon their return to the big time.The newly promoted outfit salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke on the opening day before losing to Chelsea 4-2 midweek.Fernando Torres scored the decisive third goal, which seemed to be from an offside position, but despite the decision and result, McDermott could not be prouder of his players."We felt there was something for us at 2-2 and we could have got another goal," he said. "I certainly don't feel we deserved to lose the game. "What you have to do is move on very quickly. I thought it was a great game. We've come to the European champions and put on a real performance and it shows we deserve to be here. "We're trying our best to play the best football we possibly can. I told myself when I took this job we'd try and win games."

Preview-Chelsea Vs Newcastle:

A new look Chelsea are scheduled to take on a very strong Newcastle United squad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 25 August, with the defending European champions, led by Roberto Di Matteo, surely keen on retaining their place at the top of the Premier League table.Chelsea have started the 2012/13 English Premier League campaign with two consecutive wins over Roberto Martinez’s Wigan Athletic and newly promoted Reading.On the other side of the touchline, Newcastle United started their league season on a winning note despite a solid performance from Andre Villas-Boas’ Tottenham Hotspur.For Chelsea Player to watch will be Eden Hazard And For Newcastle United Player to watch will Be Pappiss Demba Cisse.

Preview-Stoke City Vs Arsenal:

Arsenal  travel to the Britannia Stadium, a place with few fond memories for the Gunners, this Sunday. These are two sides with diametrically contradicting footballing philosophy, two sides who openly despise each other. There is almost a derby-like feeling to these clashes.Arsenal started off their premier league campaign with a frustrating draw against Sunderland at the Emirates. The match report was very much in the mould of what one has experienced during previous seasons – dominating possession, controlling the pace of the game with final ball or finishing touch letting them down. There was two positives though – Santi Cazorla’s performance and a clean sheet. Although it was only the first game of the season, it was a chance missed by Arsenal to take an early lead from the usual top four suspects as Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United dropped points.Arsene Wenger has come out and said that he is looking to add a defender and a midfielder to the squad before the window closes. It looks like Wenger isn’t holding back his cards in this transfer window. It would be interesting to see what new additions the Gunners end up with, but Nuri Sahin is nearly sure to be one of those new additions. Either way, Arsenal will have to be more proactive and clinical in front of the goal to get a positive result at Stoke.Stoke City, like Arsenal, began their campaign with a draw at Madejski Stadium. The Potters managed to take the lead through Michael Knightly in the first half, but right at the end a foul by Dean Whitehead on Garath McCleary inside the penalty box meant the Stoke defender got his marching orders after receiving his second booking of the match. Adam Le Fondre stepped up and scored from the resulting penalty to draw level for Reading. It was a bitter blow for Stoke who looked good for all three points but missed out narrowly.Arsenal have won just once in their last four visits to the Britannia stadium, that win came back in February 2010. In their last visit, the match ended in a 1-1 draw as Peter Crouch and Robin van Persie scored. Goals have certainly not lacked when these two sides have met with 19 goals scored in their last six meetings. So expect an action packed match once again.

Preview-Liverpool Vs Manchester City:

The  latest game between Liverpool and Manchester City takes place this Sunday, August 26th.The two teams come into Sunday's game with motivation to take this latest matchup. Liverpool is coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday, while Manchester City has won its last five games and will be wanting to make it six.Even though Man City comes into the game with more success, recent history between the two teams slightly supports Liverpool. In their past five games facing each other, Liverpool has won two games, Man City has one victory, and the teams have played to a draw twice.Liverpool will be without defender Daniel Agger, who is out because of a one-game ban after not deciding to appeal a red card given to him in the West Bromwich game. Man City will be without three players because of injuries, forward Sergio Aguero, midfielder Gareth Barry and defender Micah Richards.All this makes for a very unpredictable matchup this Sunday.

Cesar Azpilicueta Reportedly New Chelsea Player,Moses Nearing a move to CFC

Chelsea are reported to have finally secured the signature of long term target Cesar Azpilicueta.César Azpilicueta has joined Chelsea from Olympique de Marseille today for an undisclosed fee after an agreement was reached between both parties.La Provence reports that the 22-year-old right back has agreed a five year deal (estimated around £7m) with the current European Champions.The Spaniard was dropped from the squad that travelled to Tiraspol on Thursday for the Europa League clash, allowing him to seal the move swiftly.The former Osasuna man, who played 46 games for the French outfit since joining the club in 2010, has made his intentions clear, when he announced his desire of leaving the club officially only two days back.“If my departure can help Marseille’s finances, then it is a good deal for everyone concerned,” the defender was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.He added “I thank the club’s fans for their standing ovation. They have always been good to me, even when things haven’t gone well.”Chelsea, who took their summer spending spree up to £70m, would like to draft him straight into the first team. His arrival would not only cover the vacant post left by Jose Bosingwa but will subsequently add much needed quality to the bedraggled defence as The Blues looking forward to mounting a serious challenge for the title following last season’s disappointing campaign in the league.

Barring a breakdown in contract negotiations, Wigan Athletic's Victor Moses will soon be the latest summer signing by a revamping Chelsea side. Wigan's website released the following statement on Thursday afternoon:

"The club can confirm that after four unsuccessful bids from Chelsea for Victor Moses, a fifth bid has today finally met the valuation and terms set by Wigan Athletic and been accepted. The player has been given permission to speak with Chelsea. And The bid is around £9m.

It's been no secret that Chelsea have long sought Moses as another piece for what is suddenly a very youthful and athletic set of forwards and attacking midfielders.Eden Hazard was arguably the biggest signing of the summer and he's been brilliant in his first two games for Chelsea and both Oscar and Marko Marin are expected to provide the Chelsea attack with pace and creativity.In fact, Chelsea may now be looking at a spoil of riches. With Hazard, Marin, Oscar, Juan Mata, Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge, Ramires and Raul Meireles all capable of playing attacking positions, it's hard to see where Moses will be able to break through and find regular time in the starting XI this season.Moses scored six goals and offered one assist in 39 appearances for Wigan last season. At just 21 years of age, he is rife with talent. If he is able to play both as a striker and winger, he should be able to crack the lineup on occasion for Chelsea.For the Blues, it's just another case of the rich getting richer. As has been the theme of the summer for Chelsea, however, the old just got younger as well.

23rd August: Football Transfer news,Latest News,Rumours,Speculations

Here are Transfers Latest news and rumours from 23rd August 2012:

• Arsenal boss Wenger impressed with youth competitions
• Allardyce: Jarvis signing gives West Ham new dimension
• Tottenham rule out striker signing
• Released Man Utd youngster snapped up by Liege
• Giggs: van Persie signing shows Man Utd serious over title chase
• Chainrai back-in for Portsmouth takeover
• Leeds hopeful of striking agreement for Diouf
• Wigan boss Martinez not finished with transfer window
• Everton announce international betting and gaming partner
• Cardiff poised to sign QPR striker Smith
• Villas-Boas prepared to offload central defender Dawson
• Clarke: West Brom are aiming high
• Tottenham continue partnership with best beer in the world...probably
• Adkins intends to strengthen Southampton squad before close of transfer window
• Veteran keeper Beasant takes coaching role at Bristol Rovers
• Man City not interested in deal for Chelsea’s Luiz
• Ipswich cut loose Canadian international Peters
• Oldham blow as Aussie Wesolowski suffers training injury
• Stevenage capture Leeds United’s Rogers
• Tottenham’s AVB wants Defoe stay, plays down pursuit of Damiao, Willian
• Fulham complain about Liverpool’s Dempsey chase
• Tottenham’s van der Vaart still on Hamburg radar
• Sevilla prepared to let Arsenal target Navas leave for cut price
• Reading not in for Marseille’s Ayew
• QPR eyeing Inter’s Julio Cesar
• Heitinga not looking to leave Everton
• Cahill sees Torres as main Chelsea striker
• Moses remains a Wigan player as Chelsea interest hangs
• Agent: QPR midfielder Barton in talks with Marseille
• Swansea make bid for Blackpool young gun Ince
• Villa new boy Holman hoping to do his folks proud
• Ipswich hoping to finalise deal for Saint-Etienne’s N’Daw
• Barnsley looking to bring in Doncaster’s Coppinger
• Kuwaiti trio fail in Nottingham Forest moves
• Fulham continue to wait on Liverpool target Dempsey
• Celtic’s Ki having Swansea medical
• Arsenal’s Gervinho hoping to detect his inner Pires
• Leicester’s Moore attracting Premier League interest
• Ex-Roma defender Cassetti arrives at Watford
• Beckham’s LA Galaxy absence has opened door for Brazilian pair
• Grella opens League One account for Scunthorpe
• NYRB’s Hertzog continues to excel with Wilmington
• Man City table £30M bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz
• Man Utd closing on deal for Pachuca star Hector Herrera
• Inter Milan offer Maicon for Man City midfielder De Jong
• Liverpool set to trump Arsenal for Real Madrid's Sahin
• Hamburg closing in on shock deal for Tottenham's Van der Vaart
• Man Utd contract rebel Fryers forced abroad to continue career
• Tottenham locked in talks over £20M deal for Willian
• Southampton refuse to give up on Bologna star Ramirez
• Marseille president Labrune: No Chelsea deal for Azpilicueta
• Pachuca star Herrera: I've not heard from Man Utd, Liverpool
• Wigan boss Martinez says no new Chelsea bid for Moses
• West Ham strike Jarvis terms with Wolves
• Agent says Southampton chances now over for Ramirez
• Aston Villa closing in on Ipswich fullback Cresswell
• QPR face Man Utd, Man City competition for St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma
• Sunderland, West Ham move for West Brom striker Odemwingie
• Southampton, Sunderland battling for Blackburn's Olsson
• Marseille fullback Cesar Azpilicueta step closer to Chelsea move
• Real Madrid coach Mourinho insists no Man Utd, Liverpool contact for Kaka
• Borussia Dortmund insist Chelsea, Man Utd target Lewandowski will stay
• Hearts talks for Man Utd keeper Coll
• Reading chasing Marseille striker Jordan Ayew
• Sunderland ready to sell Campbell
• Sunderland strike Fletcher terms with Wolves
• Man City winger Johnson enters Sunderland talks
• Swansea close to deal for Celtic midfielder Ki
• Arsenal management furious with Andre Santos
• Shakhtar striker Eduardo: Arsenal selling away title hopes
• Tottenham put together massive package to land Internacional striker Damiao
• Lazio push to sign Man City defender Toure
• Liverpool boss Rodgers blasts Newcastle over Carroll offer
• Liverpool to sell midfield pair to fund deal for Fulham's Dempsey
• Stoke skipper Shawcross on QPR radar
• QPR deal for Tottenham's Dawson stalls
• Pardew excited leading Newcastle back into Europe
• Ex-Liverpool winger Kewell visits Stoke
• Tottenham eyeing West Brom striker Long
• Fulham keen on Wolves winger Hunt
• Everton chasing Wolves pair Doyle, Ward
• Stoke closing in on Villa defender Dunne
• AVB overseeing stunning Tottenham clearout
• Fulham turn to Roma keeper Stekelenburg
• Fulham make move for Inter Milan keeper Julio Cesar
• Villa boss Lambert freezes out Warnock
• Arsenal boss Wenger considers cashing in on Walcott
• Arsenal ponder bid for Sevilla winger Jesus Navas
• Adam Campbell on brink of making Newcastle history
• Newcastle keeper Harper excited about Euro return
• QPR in talks with Inter Milan keeper Julio Cesar
• QPR complain to Leeds over Kenny abuse
• Bosnich: Kewell needs new club or Australian spot is gone
• McDermott right behind Federici after another Reading mistake
• Ex-Rangers striker Healy set for Bury
• Fletcher to become most expensive Scot when he signs with Sunderland
• McGlynn urges young Hearts side to be brave against Liverpool
• Forster could become our Schmeichel or Buffon – Celtic’s Lennon
• Kilmarnock keeper Bell to miss 10 weeks
• Melbourne Heart confirm signing of former Hull forward Garcia

Spanish SuperCopa 1st Leg: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid

Barcelona Edged 3-2 Against Real Madrid In Nou Camp ( Barcelona ) Spanish SuperCopa 1st Leg As Tito Vilanova's first Clasico ended on a mixed note, as a howler from Victor Valdes gifted the visitors a late goal and leaves the second leg of the Supercopa on a knife-edge.However, a moment of madness from Victor Valdes gifted Angel Di Maria a goal with five minutes to go, leaving matters finely poised for the second leg in six days at Santiago Bernabeu.A cagey first-half saw the home side dominate the ball, but struggle to find a way through a resilient rearguard effort from Jose Mourinho's men. But the match changed completely in the second half, as Cristiano Ronaldo gave the visitors a shock lead in the 55th minute with a header from a corner.Barca would hit back instantly through Pedro, before a Lionel Messi penalty and a beautifully worked goal from Xavi put them in the driving seat. Valdes' error then provided Di Maria with the easiest of finishes.Tito Vilanova dropped Christian Tello to the bench for Alexis Sanchez, despite the former’s impressive performance in the 5-1 win over Real Sociedad last weekend, while new signing Alex Song did not make the match day squad in time.Mourinho, meanwhile, drafted in Raul Albiol in the centre of defence for the injured Pepe, while Karim Benzema started as the lone striker ahead of Gonzalo Higuain.Madrid started brightly, but were not able to sustain it for long as Barca began to assert their dominance in the middle of the park, with Andres Iniesta in particular looking lively.Messi should have found the target in the 19th minute after latching on to Dani Alves’ cutback just inside the box, but his effort flew the wrong side of the post. The Argentine would miss an even better chance 10 minutes later, poking wide from a good position after dancing around two defenders in the area.The match seemed to be settling into a war of attrition, though Pedro almost livened things up on the half hour mark with a swerving shot that forced Casillas to save at full stretch.The home fans were up in arms in the 38th minute, though, after a theatrical tumble from Sanchez from a challenge by Fabio Coentrao in the box went unacknowledged by the referee.It was a hopeful shout at best, and the game began to get scrappy as the first half ended. First, Arbeloa was shown yellow for flattening Busquets, before Javier Mascherano joined him in the book after chopping down Coentrao.Busquets was not having an easy time in the middle of the park, and was felled again by Albiol shortly after the restart, for which the Madrid defender also saw yellow.The Barcelona midfielder would then make a fatal error in the 55th minute, as he lost sight of Ronaldo defending a corner, allowing the Portuguese to nod the visitors into a surprise lead.Madrid’s joy lasted only seconds though, as straight from kick-off, Barca drew level.Mascherano’s searching ball from his own half picked out Pedro on the left, who accelerated away from Coentrao to slot the hosts back on terms, despite calls from the visitors for offside.The shackles were finally off, as Barca looked to press ahead. Alves was picked out by Messi on the overlap, only for Casillas to tip his low shot around the post.Then, with 68 minutes gone, a clumsy tackle by Sergio Ramos brought down Iniesta in the area, giving referee Gomez no choice but to point to the spot. Messi stepped up to send Casillas the wrong way and put Barcelona back in front.Xavi appeared to put matters beyond any doubt 10 minutes later after slotting home from a superb setup from Iniesta, who ghosted past multiple challenges before putting the chance on a plate for his midfield colleague.However, in the 85th minute, a howler from Valdes dragged Madrid back into the game and the tie.The Barcelona keeper appeared to be under little pressure when collecting a backpass, but saw the ball stick under his feet, allowing Di Maria enough time to steal in and poke into the back of the net, giving the visitors a lifeline for the second-leg.