El Clásico ends in penalty shoot out

Barcelona will face current league leaders Valencia in the Spanish Super Cup final after needing a penalty shoot-out to overcome bitter rivals Real Madrid in the semi-final on Thursday evening. The pair, currently occupying 2nd and 3rd spot in la liga, faced off in Saudi Arabia having already met once this season, Barcelona getting the better of things in that one with a 2-1 victory on the evening. This time out, it was Real Madrid who looked the bigger threat, and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 33 minutes, veteran striker Karim Benzema with the goal after Ter Stegen pushed the ball into his path, giving him the easiest of chances.

Barcelona grew into the game, and eventually drew level 70 minutes in, as mercurial striker Lionel Messi scored from the spot to pull his side level. Despite extra time, nothing could separate the two and so it was left for penalty kicks to settle the tie and decide who would face Valencia in the final on Sunday. Both sides scored their first five from the spot before Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic then missed. Sergio Busquets had the chance to secure victory but he too failed to hit the target, although he was relieved when Real Madrid centre-half Raphael Varane also failed. That means it was left to French striker Ousmane Dembélé, who made no mistake to hand Barcelona the victory 6-5 on penalties, and take them into the final. Barcelona are currently the most successful side in the Spanish Super Cup, with 13 trophies to their name, and will be hoping to add to that collection in the King Abdullah stadium on Sunday evening.