Sport Live Blogs

JUVENTUS have beaten Napoli 2-0 to win the Italian Super Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata netted for Juve while Lorenzo Insigne missed a penalty for Napoli.

Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

THAT’S ALL FROM THE MAPEI STADIUM
Juventus won their record ninth Italian Super Cup after beating Napoli 2-0 at the Mapei Stadium.
Both teams endured a hapless first half which saw the Partenopei coming close to an opener when Hirving Lozano’s close-range header was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
But Juve came back stronger in the second half and opened the scoring after 64 minutes thanks to a corner kick which saw the ball deflecting off Tiemoue Bakayoko and ending up at the possession of Cristiano Ronaldo who fired it to the back of the net from six yards.
Napoli came close to an equaliser when Weston McKennie brought Dries Mertens down inside the box and the referee pointed at the penalty spot after consulting with VAR.
Lorenzo Insigne had the chance to score his 100th goal for the club but sent the ball out for a goal kick as he was aiming for Szczesny’s right corner.
Napoli tried their best to reach a late equaliser but Juventus sealed the win when Juan Cuadrado found Alvaro Morata unmarked and the ex-Chelsea star scored his team’s second in the fifth and final minute of extra time.
Thank you for following the action with us and have a great night!

PIRLO SPEAKS
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo reflected on his first ever trophy as manager.
Pirlo told RAI Sport: “I feel great joy, lifting my first trophy as a coach is different, I think even better than as a player, because I am leading such a great squad and at an historic club. It’s wonderful.
“It’s rare that two teams play well in a Final, the important thing is to win. When you play with this determination, then luck can go on your side.
“We wanted to prove that we are not the team seen against Inter, so when you play with this grit, determination and attitude, you draw luck your way.”

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

GATTUSO SPEAKS
Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso praised his players despite the loss and insisted that Lorenzo Insigne is not to be blamed for the result.
Gattuso said: “I have to thank my players, as they did what we needed to. They were a little timid, especially in the first half, but reacted to the goal.
“These things can happen, I congratulate them on their efforts. We could’ve done something more perhaps, but we know these situations are difficult.
“In such an important game, you can have a little bad luck and that includes a missed penalty, but the save on Lozano at the 94th minute was incredible.
“We win and lose with everyone in the team, Lorenzo mustn’t think we lost because of him, as that’s just not true.
“These two teams respected each other, it was a chess match of tactics, neither side had many scoring opportunities. It wasn’t perfect from either of us. They tried to use the pace of their strikers, but we blocked off the spaces most of the time.”

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

LEGENDS
There is very little doubt as to whether Juventus are the most successful club in Italy.
Juve have won the most Serie A titles (36) and the most Coppa Italia (13) trophies.
But they’ve also won the most Italian Super Cups as tonight’s triumph marks their ninth trophy.
It also marks Andrea Pirlo’s first ever piece of silverware as manager!

RON A ROLL
Cristiano Ronaldo believes Juventus have completely overcome Sunday’s miserable result against Inter Milan and insists tonight’s performance shows they can still win the Serie A.
Ronaldo told Rai Sport: “We are very happy with the win, it was difficult, especially as the pitch was terrible, but we got it done.
“We showed a different attitude to the bad performance against Inter. That is the past, this is a very important trophy and we hope this can give the team more confidence going into the future.
“Milan and Inter are very strong, but I believe we have what it takes to win. It’s going to be very difficult, but I believe the Scudetto is still possible.”

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

INSIGNE’S TEARS
Lorenzo Insigne couldn’t hold back his emotions after the final whistle.
Insigne’s penalty shot could have put the Partenopei back in the game but he missed.
However, the star forward has nothing to be ashamed of as he put together a brave performance and those kinds of mishaps happen to the absolute best.
Based on what we’ve seen tonight there is no way the Italy international can be solely blamed for Napoli’s loss

ENZ OF THE LINE
Lorenzo Insigne must be the most tragic figure of this year’s Italian Super Cup.
Insigne had the chance to equalise for the Partenopei from the penalty spot but completely missed the target.
The star winger aimed for Wojciech Szczesny’s right corner but sent the ball out for a goal kick.
That would have been the Italy international’s 100th goal for Napoli…

CRIST, WHAT A GOAL
Cristiano Ronaldo made history tonight as he scored a record 760 career goals.
That means Ronaldo beats Josef Bican as well as the likes of Pele, Romario and Lionel Messi.
Reminding you all that the star forward is only 15 crackers away from recording 100 goals for Juve.
How many players do we know who are legends for three different clubs…?

FT: JUVENTUS 2-0 NAPOLI
Juventus have won a record ninth Italian Super Cup after beating Napoli at the Mapei Stadium.
Both teams endured a hapless first half which ended goalless with only one big chance from Hirving Lozano, whose close-range header was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
But Juve came back on the pitch with more determination in the second hald and opened the scoring after 64 minutes when the ball got a deflection of Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cristiano Ronaldo fired it to the back of the net from six yards.
Napoli came so close to equalising when Weston McKennie brought Dries Mertens down inside the box and the referee pointed at the penalty spot after consulting with VAR.
But Lorenzo Insigne missed the penalty as he sent the ball out for a goal kick.
Napoli tried hard to reach an equaliser but Juventus scored a second at the death when Juan Cuadrado led a brilliant counter attack and passed the ball to Alvaro Morata who sealed the trophy during the fifth minute of extra-time!

Juventus score a second with the last kick of the game to secure the Supercoppa against Napoli!Scenes as Andrea Pirlo secures his first silverware as a coach! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/fq6Em1QZny
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 20, 2021

PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
AND THAT’S IT, JUVENTUS HAVE WON THE SUPER CUP!!!!!!

JUVENTUS 2-0 NAPOLI
90+5 Juventus produce a brilliant counter-attack as Arthur passes the ball to Cuadrado who makes a brilliant run down the left flank.
He passes to an unmarked Morata, who makes it 2-0 and seals the Italian Super Cup

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL
JUVENTUS SEAL THE SUPER CUP!!!!!!!!

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
90+3 WHAT A CHANCE!
Szczesny saves a shot with his foot!
Napoli are pushing very hard for an equaliser!

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
90+3 Ospina dispossesses McKennie outside of his box and dribbles a couple of Juventus players as he moves the ball in midfield.
Impressive, but could have gone very south!

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
90+1 Referee gives another five monutes of extra time.
Napoli are trying hard for a late equaliser!

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
90 WHAT A CHANCE!
Manolas loses the ball in defence following two heavy touches and McKennie passes it to Ronaldo.
He fires a shot from the right flank but Ospina saves, he tries another but sends it wide.
Doesn’t matter as he was offside!

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
89 YELLOW CARD
Zielinski becomes the first Napoli ace to be booked following a foul on Ronaldo.
Only two bookings in the entire match, quite strange for a Super Cup…

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
86 SUBSTITUTION
Rui and Demme come off while Politano and Llorente replace them for Napoli

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
86 Juventus are totally in control of the match as they move the ball with absolute ease and sometimes even play out the back.
Napoli appear to be shaken by Ronaldo’s goal and Insigne’s miss.
Juve are so close to their record ninth Super Cup!

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
85 Have we told you that would have been Insigne’s 100th goal for Napoli…?
He probably won’t get a better chance than that in this game.

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
83 SUBSTITUTION
Juventus make a double switch as Morata comes on for Kulusevski and Rabiot replaces Bentancur

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
81 That was a terrible penalty miss from Insigne…
The Italy international sent the ball out for a goal kick after trying to net it on Szczesny’s right corner

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
80 WHAT A CHANCE!
And Insigne misses the penalty!!!!!!
That would have been his 100th goal for Napoli…!

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
79 PENALTY!!!!
Napoli get a penalty thanks to VAR, who made the right call

JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI
77 PENALTY APPEAL!
Napoli are making a serious call for a penalty!
McKennie tries to clear the ball but Mertens gets to it first.
The Juventus ace then kicks the Napoli star and fouls him inside the box.
Has to be a penalty…

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LEICESTER have charged to the top of the Premier League table after beating Chelsea 2-0.
Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison were on target at the King Power Stadium as the Foxes leapt past Manchester United to the Prem summit.

Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

GOODNIGHT FROM THE KING POWER
Leicester City are at the top of the Premier League while Chelsea are floundering.
The last time that happened during January, the Foxes went on to pull off one of the great footballing fairytales.
And on tonight’s performance, there’s no reason why Leicester cannot produce the unthinkable again.
Brendan Rodgers’ team were impressive all over the park as they stretched their beleaguered opponents with a series of incisive counter attacks.
First half goals from Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison were enough to seal the victory, the second coming moments after a Chelsea penalty had been overturned by VAR.
In contrast to City, Frank Lampard’s men were poor, and the pressure is fast mounting on the manager as he faces up to a fifth defeat in eight games.
The call is for more time, but whether Lampard gets enough to turn around the Blues’ fortunes remains to be seen. Indeed, making it to the FA Cup fixture with Luton at he weekend would be a start.
So Leicester lead the way – for a day at least. There are two more Premier League games tomorrow evening, in which either Manchester club could take over at the top.
Until then, thanks for reading and goodnight.

HAVERTZ A MARE
Chelsea paid more than £60m for Kai Havertz in the summer, but he’s a player looking utterly bereft of confidence right now.

Kai Havertz has created one chance and attempted one shot in his last six Premier League appearances.What’s going wrong for Chelsea’s record signing? 😫 pic.twitter.com/XVuoFEqdwC
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 19, 2021

FRANK TALKING
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has admitted he is worried by both his team’s poor form, and also for his future following a fifth defeat in eight games.

We were beaten by a better team. We looked like a team out of form. The bare minimums are to run, to sprint, to cover ground and too many of our player didn’t do it.
Frank Lampard

🗣 “Beaten by the better team.”🗣 “Too many of our players didn’t do the basics.”Frank Lampard says Chelsea looked like a ‘team out of form’ as the succumbed to Leicester.Watch the reaction on Sky Sports PL 📺 pic.twitter.com/bSuFQZwVm6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2021

READ ALL ABOUT IT
Relive tonight’s action with Graeme Bryce’s match report of Leicester’s 2-0 home win over Chelsea that took the Foxes to the top of the Premier league table.

RODGERS REACTION
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has expressed his delight with the togetherness shown by his players, and states that he was never concerned by his personal record against Chelsea.

They’re a hugely talented team when you see their individual quality but, as a team collectively, we were excellent.
Brendan Rodgers

MADD FOR IT
In an excellent post-match interview, Man of the Match James Maddison has reiterated that Leicester are at the top on merit, and can be incredibly proud of their all-round display this evening.

To be sitting top is a great achievement for us and one we can definitely build on. I don’t think you’ll see a more complete performance from us all season.
James Maddison

🗣 “We looked at Chelsea and we knew they switch off sometimes from set pieces.”🗣 “@Carra23 said he needs to get his numbers up if he wants to be a top player.”James Maddison speaks to Sky Sports about Leicester’s win that sends them top of the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/yYjV31xHX5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2021

BRENDAN COMPLETES THE SET
At the 12th time of asking, a Brendan Rodgers side has beaten Chelsea in the Premier League.

SHOUT TO THE TOP
A James Maddison-inspired performance has taken Leicester City to the top of the table.
The Foxes are just one point short after 19 games than this stage of their title-winning season.

FULL TIME STATS
Leicester City produced another night of impressive counter-attacking to earn a comfortable home win, a success not truly justified by these numbers.

FOXES ON THE HUNT
Leicester City are once again in a title race, and have earned the place among the elite of English football.

175 – Since the beginning of the 2015-16 @premierleague campaign, @LCFC have ended the day top of the table 175 times, with only three sides doing so more often over this period; indeed, they had only sat there for 13 days combined up until their title winning campaign. Big-Six? pic.twitter.com/RbXWiQ2IEW
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 19, 2021

FT: LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
Leicester City are back at the top of the Premier League following this 2-0 victory over Chelsea. First half goals from Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison were enough to see off their opponents, and heap even more pressure on Frank Lampard.

PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER!

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
90+2. Ziyech makes a break into the box to get Chelsea hopes up, but shoots straight at Schmeichel. It sums up their night.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
90. Three minutes of stoppage time are signalled. Are these the last three minutes of Frank Lampard’s time as Chelsea manager?

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
89. Rather than taking. theeasy option in heading to the corner flag, Justin decides to cut back inside and attack Ziyech.
He’s played at least an hour more than the Moroccan, but leaves him for defend as he goes past him in a flash. All Ziyech can do is bring him down and earn a yellow card.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
88. A final change for Leicester sees Vardy’s night come to an end. Iheanacho will play out the final minutes as the home side’s striker.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
86. Werner has the ball in the net, but it’s not going to count!
The German stabs home from the free-kick but the flag was raised immediately for offside.
Replays show that, once again, it. is very, very close. After an anxious wait, VAR uphold the original decision.
When your luck’s out, your luck’s out.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
85. Fofana blots his copybook for the evening with a yellow card for bringing down a charging Pulisic. That said, it’s better from the American, and he needs to do more of that.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
84. Kovacic attempts to drive Chelsea forward from midfield, but as soon as he makes a move, he finds himself surrounded by four blue shirts.
Leicester have worked really hard tonight, with and without the ball.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
81. And now they demonstrate just how good!
A brilliant pass forward from Castagne splits the Chelsea defence, and Vardy is on the move in a flash.
The striker cuts inside Silva with one touch, only for the ball to slightly overrun and roll through to Mendy.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
79. Chelsea are beginning to commit men forward, and that’s likely to mean just one thing.
Have you seen how good Leicester are on the counter attack?

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
77. He hasn’t played a Premier League since last March, but now Pereira is back. The right back is on for Albrighton, and looks as though he’s going to play in front of Castagne on that flank.
Also on is Perez for Maddison.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
75. Brendan Rodgers said that he would have to utilise his bench this evening, and now it’s time.
And, most exciting of all for the Foxes, it looks as though it’s also time for the return of Ricardo Pereira.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
73. We’re approaching the final 15 minutes in the East Midlands, and if Frank Lampard’s job really is on the line this evening, these Chelsea players don’t appear to be doing much to save it.

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA
71. Werner does well on the left, beating one opponent with ease and then dissecting two with a slick pass to Pulisic.
The American forward takes over, and tries to beat Castagne in the box, but the Leicester defender comes out on top when taking the ball off his opponent’s toes.

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LIONEL MESSI saw red for the first time in a Barcelona shirt as his side lost 3-2 to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Barca had taken the lead twice through Antoine Griezmann but Bilbao fought back in the thriller in Seville.

Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…

KOEMAN ON MESSI
Messi was sent off for the very first time in his Barcelona career on Sunday evening.
Barca lost 3-2 to Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final.
“I can understand what Messi did,” Koeman said after the match.
“I don’t know how many times they fouled him, and it’s normal to react when they keep trying to foul you as a player who is looking to dribble with the ball, but I need to see it again properly.”

THANKS FOR JOINING US
That’s all from us tonight as Inaki Williams extra time strike saw Athletic Bilbao run out 3-2 winners over Barcelona, securing their fourth ever Spanish Super Cup.
Antoine Griezmann put Barca ahead five minutes before half time, but Bilbao hit back just two minutes later, equalising through Oscar de Marcos.
Bilbao then had the ball in the back of the net after half time, but the goal was ruled out by VAR with Raul Garcia adjudged to be in an offside position from Iker Munain’s free kick.
Antoine Griezmann thought he’d won it for Barca thirteen minutes from time, only for Asier Villalibre to equalise in the 90th minute, sending the game to extra time.
Early into the extra period Inaki Williams scored what proved to be the game winner with a belter of a goal from the edge of the box.
Barcelona pushed for an equaliser but in truth never came close, with Lionel Messi’s sending off seconds before the end of the game rounding off a miserable day for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Incredibly it was Lionel Messi’s first sending off in 753 games for Barca.
It could be a significant event in terms his future at the club with his days at Barcelona seemingly numbered.
That’s all for now though.
Thanks for joining us tonight, it’s been a pleasure.

HIGHLIGHTS
Here are the best bits from a CRAZY game in Seville.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Man of the match and scorer of the winning goal Inaki Williams poses for a picture with the trophy.

Credit: AFP

Credit: AFP or licensors

NOT A BAD START
Today’s Spanish Super Cup was only Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelino’s THIRD game in charge of the club after taking over earlier this month.
His first game was a loss to Barcelona in the league, but since then has has beaten BOTH Real Madrid and Barcelona in the semi-final and final of the Spanish Super Cup.

Credit: AFP

GOALSCORERS
Athletic Bilbao goalscorers Oscar de Marcos, Asier Villalibre and Inaki Williams celebrate with the Spanish Super Cup trophy.

Credit: AFP or licensors

ENDING OF AN ERA?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were both on the end of defeats this evening.
CR7’s Juventus went down 2-0 to Inter in a huge top of the table clash in the Serie A, and of course we saw what happened with Lionel Messi in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Is that an indication that the era of dominance could be coming to an end?

TRUMPET TIME
Here’s the video of Asier Villalibre and his trumpet playing skills.

PRESSURE ON KOEMAN
Is the pressure mounting on Ronald Koeman at Barcelona?
The Catalan giants are SEVEN points off the pace in La Liga and have been in stuttering form this season.
With the Presidential elections at Barcelona not too far away, Ronald Koeman’s days in charge could be numbered if the newly elected President does not support him.
What is for sure is that these are turbulent times for Barcelona.
Added to that, it is highly possible that this is Lionel Messi’s last ever season at the club, due to his fractured relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
There is some serious rebuilding to work to be done at the five time Champions League winners.

RONALD’S REACTION
This is what Barca boss Ronald Koeman had to say at full time:
“It was a difficult game.
“I think we had more of the ball in the whole game.
“But even [when] we had the victory really close, and it’s always difficult if you receive the 1-1 in minute 45 just before half time and if you [concede] two minutes before the end [and] you receive again the draw and that’s really difficult to handle.”

A-STAR ASIER
Asier Villalibre celebrated Bilbao’s win by playing the trumpet at full time.
Villalibre scored in the 90th minute to take the game into extra time, and was also the man on the receiving end of Lionel Messi’s punch that saw the Argentinian sent off.
Talk about an impact sub.

Credit: Getty – Pool

Credit: Getty – Pool

MATCH REPORT
PLENTY to talk about from tonight’s game.
Twice Barcelona took the lead in normal time, and twice Athletic Bilbao equalised, including a 90th minute goal from Asier Villalibre that sent the game to extra time.
Inaki Williams then fired Bilbao in front with an incredible finish, before Lionel Messi was SENT OFF for the first time in Barcelona career which effectively ended Barcelona’s hopes of sending the game to penalties.
Athletic Bilbao win the Spanish Super Cup for the fourth time in their history, and the first time since 2015, when they also beat Barcelona.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR MATCH REPORT

TROPHY LIFT
Here’s a look at the Athletic Bilbao squad lifting the Spanish Super Cup trophy.

Credit: AFP or licensors

Credit: AFP or licensors

WHAT A PICTURE
Lionel Messi makes his way off the pitch in front of his manager after being sent off.
Messi’s relationship with Ronald Koeman isn’t great, and tonight’s events may draw Messi closer to the exit door at the Nou Camp.

Credit: Reuters

MESSI MADNESS
Here’s another look at that moment of madness from Lionel Messi.
Could this have been his last ever final for Barcelona?
If so not only did it end in a loss, but also resulted in his FIRST ever red card for Barcelona.
Incredible.

SUPER CUP
Bilbao skipper Iker Munain with the Super Cup trophy.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

FULL TIME SCENES
There were huge celebrations from the Athletic Bilbao players at the full time whistle.

Credit: Reuters

Credit: Reuters

WALK OF SHAME
Lionel Messi trudges off the pitch after being sent off with seconds left on the clock.

Credit: Reuters

WHAT A STAT
Incredibly that is Lionel Messi’s FIRST ever red card in Barcelona colours.
He’s been sent off twice before for Argentina, but never for Barca before tonight.

TROPHY LIFT
Iker Munain collects the Spanish Super Cup and takes it over to his waiting team mates.
He lifts it up into the sky as the confetti rains down on the Bilbao squad.
What an evening for Bilbao, and what a game we have witnessed.

RED CARD INCIDENT
Here’s a look at the incident that resulted in Lionel Messi being sent off.
You can’t raise your arm into the face of an opponent like that, and the referee had no option but to show him the red card.

CELEBRATIONS
Asier Villalibre has brought a trumpet out to the centre circle, with his teammates gathered around him dancing and singing.
It’s a unique way to celebrate, but credit to Bilbao.
They were brilliant tonight and the winning goal was worthy of settling any game of football.
It was a world class finish from Inaki Williams.

BARCELONA 2-3 ATHLETIC BILBAO
WOW.
What a game.
That had everything.
A 90th minute equaliser, a world class goal from Inaki Williams and then a RED card for Lionel Messi seconds before the full time whistle.
He lashed out at Villalibre in pure frustration and was rightly given his marching orders.
Athletic Bilbao win their fourth Super Cup, and their first since the 2015 victory over the same opponents.

PEEEEEEEEP!
THAT’S FULL TIME!
ATHLETIC BILBAO ARE SPANISH SUPER CUP CHAMPIONS!

BARCELONA 2-3 ATHLETIC BILBAO
120. If the game wasn’t over already, it is now.
Lionel Messi is sent off for violent conduct, he throws his arm into the face of Villalibre and is sent off after the referee consults with VAR.

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LIONEL MESSI saw red for the first time in a Barcelona shirt as his side lost 3-2 to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Barca had taken the lead twice through Antoine Griezmann but Bilbao fought back in the thriller in Seville.

Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…

THANKS FOR JOINING US
That’s all from us tonight as Inaki Williams extra time strike saw Athletic Bilbao run out 3-2 winners over Barcelona, securing their fourth ever Spanish Super Cup.
Antoine Griezmann put Barca ahead five minutes before half time, but Bilbao hit back just two minutes later, equalising through Oscar de Marcos.
Bilbao then had the ball in the back of the net after half time, but the goal was ruled out by VAR with Raul Garcia adjudged to be in an offside position from Iker Munain’s free kick.
Antoine Griezmann thought he’d won it for Barca thirteen minutes from time, only for Asier Villalibre to equalise in the 90th minute, sending the game to extra time.
Early into the extra period Inaki Williams scored what proved to be the game winner with a belter of a goal from the edge of the box.
Barcelona pushed for an equaliser but in truth never came close, with Lionel Messi’s sending off seconds before the end of the game rounding off a miserable day for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Incredibly it was Lionel Messi’s first sending off in 753 games for Barca.
It could be a significant event in terms his future at the club with his days at Barcelona seemingly numbered.
That’s all for now though.
Thanks for joining us tonight, it’s been a pleasure.

HIGHLIGHTS
Here are the best bits from a CRAZY game in Seville.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Man of the match and scorer of the winning goal Inaki Williams poses for a picture with the trophy.

Credit: AFP

Credit: AFP or licensors

NOT A BAD START
Today’s Spanish Super Cup was only Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelino’s THIRD game in charge of the club after taking over earlier this month.
His first game was a loss to Barcelona in the league, but since then has has beaten BOTH Real Madrid and Barcelona in the semi-final and final of the Spanish Super Cup.

Credit: AFP

GOALSCORERS
Athletic Bilbao goalscorers Oscar de Marcos, Asier Villalibre and Inaki Williams celebrate with the Spanish Super Cup trophy.

Credit: AFP or licensors

ENDING OF AN ERA?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were both on the end of defeats this evening.
CR7’s Juventus went down 2-0 to Inter in a huge top of the table clash in the Serie A, and of course we saw what happened with Lionel Messi in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Is that an indication that the era of dominance could be coming to an end?

TRUMPET TIME
Here’s the video of Asier Villalibre and his trumpet playing skills.

PRESSURE ON KOEMAN
Is the pressure mounting on Ronald Koeman at Barcelona?
The Catalan giants are SEVEN points off the pace in La Liga and have been in stuttering form this season.
With the Presidential elections at Barcelona not too far away, Ronald Koeman’s days in charge could be numbered if the newly elected President does not support him.
What is for sure is that these are turbulent times for Barcelona.
Added to that, it is highly possible that this is Lionel Messi’s last ever season at the club, due to his fractured relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
There is some serious rebuilding to work to be done at the five time Champions League winners.

RONALD’S REACTION
This is what Barca boss Ronald Koeman had to say at full time:
“It was a difficult game.
“I think we had more of the ball in the whole game.
“But even [when] we had the victory really close, and it’s always difficult if you receive the 1-1 in minute 45 just before half time and if you [concede] two minutes before the end [and] you receive again the draw and that’s really difficult to handle.”

A-STAR ASIER
Asier Villalibre celebrated Bilbao’s win by playing the trumpet at full time.
Villalibre scored in the 90th minute to take the game into extra time, and was also the man on the receiving end of Lionel Messi’s punch that saw the Argentinian sent off.
Talk about an impact sub.

Credit: Getty – Pool

Credit: Getty – Pool

MATCH REPORT
PLENTY to talk about from tonight’s game.
Twice Barcelona took the lead in normal time, and twice Athletic Bilbao equalised, including a 90th minute goal from Asier Villalibre that sent the game to extra time.
Inaki Williams then fired Bilbao in front with an incredible finish, before Lionel Messi was SENT OFF for the first time in Barcelona career which effectively ended Barcelona’s hopes of sending the game to penalties.
Athletic Bilbao win the Spanish Super Cup for the fourth time in their history, and the first time since 2015, when they also beat Barcelona.
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TROPHY LIFT
Here’s a look at the Athletic Bilbao squad lifting the Spanish Super Cup trophy.

Credit: AFP or licensors

Credit: AFP or licensors

WHAT A PICTURE
Lionel Messi makes his way off the pitch in front of his manager after being sent off.
Messi’s relationship with Ronald Koeman isn’t great, and tonight’s events may draw Messi closer to the exit door at the Nou Camp.

Credit: Reuters

MESSI MADNESS
Here’s another look at that moment of madness from Lionel Messi.
Could this have been his last ever final for Barcelona?
If so not only did it end in a loss, but also resulted in his FIRST ever red card for Barcelona.
Incredible.

SUPER CUP
Bilbao skipper Iker Munain with the Super Cup trophy.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

FULL TIME SCENES
There were huge celebrations from the Athletic Bilbao players at the full time whistle.

Credit: Reuters

Credit: Reuters

WALK OF SHAME
Lionel Messi trudges off the pitch after being sent off with seconds left on the clock.

Credit: Reuters

WHAT A STAT
Incredibly that is Lionel Messi’s FIRST ever red card in Barcelona colours.
He’s been sent off twice before for Argentina, but never for Barca before tonight.

TROPHY LIFT
Iker Munain collects the Spanish Super Cup and takes it over to his waiting team mates.
He lifts it up into the sky as the confetti rains down on the Bilbao squad.
What an evening for Bilbao, and what a game we have witnessed.

RED CARD INCIDENT
Here’s a look at the incident that resulted in Lionel Messi being sent off.
You can’t raise your arm into the face of an opponent like that, and the referee had no option but to show him the red card.

CELEBRATIONS
Asier Villalibre has brought a trumpet out to the centre circle, with his teammates gathered around him dancing and singing.
It’s a unique way to celebrate, but credit to Bilbao.
They were brilliant tonight and the winning goal was worthy of settling any game of football.
It was a world class finish from Inaki Williams.

BARCELONA 2-3 ATHLETIC BILBAO
WOW.
What a game.
That had everything.
A 90th minute equaliser, a world class goal from Inaki Williams and then a RED card for Lionel Messi seconds before the full time whistle.
He lashed out at Villalibre in pure frustration and was rightly given his marching orders.
Athletic Bilbao win their fourth Super Cup, and their first since the 2015 victory over the same opponents.

PEEEEEEEEP!
THAT’S FULL TIME!
ATHLETIC BILBAO ARE SPANISH SUPER CUP CHAMPIONS!

BARCELONA 2-3 ATHLETIC BILBAO
120. If the game wasn’t over already, it is now.
Lionel Messi is sent off for violent conduct, he throws his arm into the face of Villalibre and is sent off after the referee consults with VAR.

RED CARD FOR LIONEL MESSI!
THE REFEREE CHECKS HIS MONITOR AND BRANDISHES THE RED CARD!

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INTER MILAN downed Juventus 2-0 at San Siro in the Serie A clash tonight.
Arturo Vidal and Nicolo Barella were on the scoresheet as Inter drew level with league leaders AC Milan.

Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…

THAT’S ALL FROM SAN SIRO
Inter Milan picked up a comfortable 2-0 win over Juventus in the Derby d’Italia at the San Siro.
Inter controlled the tempo throughout the entire encounter and opened the scoring after just 12 minutes when Nicolo Barella’s perfect cross from the right found Arturo Vidal who headed the ball to the back of his former club’s net to score a goal which he didn’t celebrate.
The Nerazzurri could have doubled their lead before half-time if Lautaro Martinez hadn’t missed in front of open goal shortly after Vidal’s opener.
But Lautaro’s miss didn’t cost Antonio Conte’s team as Barella doubled the lead in the 52nd minute thanks to a clinical strike.
But that goal comes down to Alessandro Bastoni’s incredible cross from defence, which saw the ball reaching the midfielder in Juventus’ half – that was definitely the best assist in the Serie A this season.
Although the Bianconeri came close to a goal with Weston McKennie’s header and Federico Chiesa’s strike they still failed to respond.
Thank you for following the action with us and have a lovely night!

CONTING BLESSINGS
Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte hinted that Inter Milan could be capable of challenging for the Serie A title this season.
Conte described his team as “credible” and suggested there’s more to come this term.
The Inter manager told Sky Sports: “I saw a credible Inter, after a year and a half of work Inter are back to being credible.
“Sorry for the elimination in the Champions League, we could have done more, but the disappointments must heal the wounds “.

OWNING UP
Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo insists that only he holds responsibility for tonight’s result.
Pirlo told Sky Sports: “We were too slow to make the ball turn in front, we wanted the one against one of Chiesa and on the other side the insertion of Ramsey.
“We found few through balls between the midfielders, the game was too slow.
“First of all, always wrong the coach, I take my responsibilities . ”

NEW LO
Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo admitted that tonight’s performance against Inter Milan was indeed below par.
Pirlo told Sky Sports: “We were thinking about tonight’s match, we had the wrong attitude from the start.
“When you don’t have the anger to win duels it becomes difficult. We didn’t take the field, we were too passive. We were fearful, we were afraid of Inter’s attacking game, we only thought about being defensive, not too aggressively.
“A bad defeat, we didn’t expect it, we couldn’t have had a worse race than this. We play a final on Wednesday.
“In these games you have to put the same desire and anger as others to be on the same level. We have not put in the agonistic enthusiasm and this is the result ”.

TONI AWARD
Alessandro Bastoni enjoyed a marvellous night at the San Siro.
Not only did he participate in Inter Milan’s first win over Juventus in almost five years…
Not only did he produce what seems to be the best assist of the season…
But he also made history…

THE ART-IST
Inter Milan star Arturo Vidal opened the scoring against his former club and believes the Nerazzurri have what it takes to win the title this season.
Vidal told Sky Sport Italia: “It’s important for me, for the team, it was a very difficult game against the best team in Italy.
“I am glad to have scored my first goal for Inter, very happy. I think we proved today that we are up to the task of challenging for the Scudetto.
“This gives us the confidence to keep pushing, to believe we can win the Scudetto, as we beat the strongest team over the last nine years. We believe that we can go all the way.”

UPDATED TABLE
Inter Milan now have the same amount of points as rivals and Serie A table-toppers AC Milan but remain second.
Juventus, on the other hand are seriously falling behind as they are fifth with seven points separating them from the top.
Juve, though, still have a game in hand and are expected to take on Napoli in the near future.
If the defending Italian champions don’t snap out of it soon, though, then the title hunt could turn into a Milan affair…

STATS
Juventus barely got most of the possession as they dominated 51.2 per cent.
However, that did nothing for Juve as they never managed to control the tempo at the San Siro.
Inter produced a total of 17 shots, five of which were on target, compared to the Bianconeri’s nine shots, of which four of them were on target.
The Nerazzurri got the better of what was the Serie A’s joint best defence as they won 71.4 per cent of tackles

FT: INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte completely outpalyed Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo at the San Siro.
A composed and patient performance from Inter led to a comfortable victory over a hapless Juve, who lacked some serious creativity in attack as well as solidity in midfield and key players in defence.
The hosts opened the scoring after 12 minutes when a beautiful cross from Nicolo Barella found Arturo Vidal who headed the ball to the back of his former club’s net.
Inter could have doubled the lead before half-time if Lautaro Martinez hadn’t missed in front of open goal shortly after Vidal’s opener.
Juventus struggled to get back in the game and saw their hopes of equalising destroyed in front of their very own eyes in the 52nd minute.
That was when Alessandro Bastoni produced an incredible cross from defence, which saw the ball reaching Barella in Juve’s half.
The midfielder got a beautiful touch and beat Wojciech Szczesny for the second time in what marked the best assist of the season.
Juventus were completely unable to get back in the game as they missed chances with Weston McKennie’s header and Federico Chiesa’s strike

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
AND THAT’S IT AT SAN SIRO!!!!!!!!!

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
90+1 CHANCE!
Hakimi runs the ball down the right flank where he has been brilliant all night!
He fires a shot but just misses Szczesny’s right post!

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
90 Five more minutes of added time until the end of the match.
Inter still have time for a third

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
87 WHAT A CHANCE!
Juventus miss a major opportunity to get back in the game!
McKennie plays a billiant one-two in the box with Chiesa, who fires a beautiful shot but Handanovic saves with a brilliant lunge to his right.
That would have turned the last few minutes into an epic encounter!

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
85 SUBSTITUTION
Looks like we won’t see Lautaro scoring after all as he comes off and makes way for Sanchez

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
82 This hasn’t been his night, but then again no Juventus star has managed to stand out.
Inter have been dealing with Ronaldo brilliantly all night!

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
80 Only 10 minutes left until full-time at the San Siro.
Inter seem to be sealing a major result that comes as no surprise considering the two teams’ performnaces.
Conte has outplayed Pirlo with his tactics based on patience and pressure.
Juventus have seriously struggled throughout the match

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
76 SUBSTITUTION
Vidal comes off and makes way for Gagliardini.
An impressive performance from the ex-Juventus star who showed class after his goal

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
75 CHANCE
Ronaldo fires another desperate shot that goes wide!
This just sums up Juventus’ performance at the San Siro; no ideas and just hoping for the best…
Juve are struggling to create threats and leave so much space at the back for Inter’s wing-backs to exploit

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
72 SUBSTITUTION
Inter boss Conte brings in Darmian, who replaces ex-Manchester United team-mate Young

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
71 CHANCE!
Lautaro misses another big opportunity to get on the scoreboard!
Lukaku passes him the ball during another lethal counter-attack but the Argentina international’s curling shot just misses the target as the ball brushes Szczesny’s left post.
That is Lautaro’s third big chance of the night!

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
70 Only 20 minutes remain until half-time and Inter have become very comfortable at the San Siro.
The hosts are now controlling possession and tempo whereas Juventus are running out of solutions in their search to get back in the game.
So far they have had one big opportunity with McKennie and that’s it!

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
67 YELLOW
Barella gets booked for a rough challenge on Chiellini.
The Inter star was on the ground as a result of the clash but the referee still shows him the yellow card

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
65 Has Bastoni ever produced a better pass than he did tonight…?
Well, the bar has been dramatically raised at the San Siro!

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
64 Inter have been on fire this season as they are launching a serious title bid.
But so is Barella!

2+5 – #Barella has already improved both in terms of goals (2 vs 1) and assists (5 vs 4) the score collected for Inter in the last Serie A campaign. Electric.#InterJuve
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 17, 2021

INTER MILAN 2-0 JUVENTUS
61 WHAT A CHANCE!
Juventus come so close to respond and get back in the game!
Juve get a corner kick and a cross is delivered to McKennie.
The American jumps higher than anyone else and gets the header but the ball goes to the safe hands of Handanovic!

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