Barcelona, Atletico Madrid play out Super Cup stalemate

Barcelona take a slender advantage into the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup following a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the first.

It was the Copa del Rey holders who raced into the lead in the 12th minute, courtesy of a wonder goal from veteran striker David Villa.

The 31-year-old unleashed an unstoppable half-volley that had Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes grasping at air to claim a home debut goal against his former club.

Barcelona came close to drawing level in the in the 28th minute when Alexis Sanchez almost connected with a dangerous cross from Dani Alves.

It took the La Liga champions until the 66th minute to find their equaliser, which came when Brazilian international Neymar thumped home a header from another Alves cross.

Both sides appeared to be content with a 1-1 draw as neither created any clear-cut chances following Barcelona's equaliser.