Barcelona win first trophy under Luis Enrique with Catalan Super Cup triumph

Barcelona win first trophy under Luis Enrique with Catalan Super Cup triumph

Barcelona beat Espanyol on penalties on Wednesday night to win the Catalan Super Cup, their first trophy under Luis Enrique.

Luis Suarez had crafted a brilliant opener for his side, lofting the ball up to the far post for Gerard Pique to head home.

Enrique's side, far stronger than their local rivals, had more of the play and more of the chances, but eventually were pegged back in the second half. 

Anaitz Arbilla fired home a stupendous free-kick from outside the area to put his team on level terms. 

Suarez had gone off at half-time, as Barcelona's boss aimed to keep him in good condition to face Celta Vigo this Saturday. 

The game, taking place at Girona's Estadi Montilivi, was not watched by a big crowd, but it didn't stop Suarez from putting on a show for the opener.

The first half fizzled out after that, with Barcelona in control and Espanyol rarely threatening. 

One brilliant save by Jordi Masip just before the break kept Barcelona ahead though, when Victor Alvarez charged through.

Barça's fragile defence, exposed in the Clasico, fractured once again and Alvarez was in on goal.

Masip was smart and out to stop him though, and he also produced another brilliant save towards the end, as well as denying Arbilla from the spot in the shoot-out. 

Martin Montoya came on at the break and, perhaps too desperate to prove himself, gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. 

He was made to pay by Arbilla, who got the fans out of their seats with a spectacular strike from the dead ball. 

Alen Halilovic and Ivan Rakitic went close for Barcelona at the end, and both converted from the spot in the shoot-out. 

Xavi, who netted the first penalty, lifted the cup after the game, but this will not be one of the three major trophies he is hoping to raise this season.

It may, however, have eased the sting after that defeat by Real Madrid on Saturday.