Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: 6 Things We Learned from the Spanish Super Cup

Entertainment, ferocious attacks and wonderful skill were all on offer in both legs of the Spanish Super Cup between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Who would have backed this Madrid side to come out victorious from two legs against Barcelona, especially considering their terrible league form?

But was it the fact that Barcelona went down to 10 men in the second leg? Maybe it was the goalkeeping howler from Victor Valdes in the first? No, it was the unbelievable and extremely unexpected rise from Real Madrid that revealed silverware at the end of the tunnel.

Barcelona were not terrible; Real Madrid were simply better. Do we attribute that to the coaches on either side? It's certainly worthy of thought. But what resulted was an exhilarating encounter that forced you to forget it was for a trophy well down the list of priorities.

Despite Barcelona's five point advantage in the league, what will this win mean for both teams going into their next set of La Liga fixtures?

Spanish football is certainly not lacking in entertainment and excitement this season.

Real Madrid Can Better Barcelona When at Their Very Best

Real Madrid really stormed out of the gates at the Bernabeu in the second leg, and it was imperative they did so.

Their pace of play and decisiveness in the Barcelona penalty area was much better than what we've seen in La Liga competition. It was Madrid's ability to use their lightning quick counter attacks that really caught Barcelona short.

Most importantly, the work ethic from all the Madrid players was there. Jose Mourinho really managed to get the best out of his side for this important clash, and Madrid really left nothing to chance.

Both legs proved that Madrid can get goals and even wins from games against Barcelona. Mourinho's team frustrated Barcelona in the Camp Nou and forced two goals into Victor Valdes' net. While at the Bernabeu, Madrid really looked to use the home advantage to win the tie.

It was an impressive showing by Mourinho's team, and something that many would not have expected.

Pepe Is Very Important to the Real Madrid Defence

Real Madrid were without first choice centre-back Pepe last week through injury. Raul Albiol played well, but you can really notice the gulf in quality and influence.

Pepe's return gave Madrid a little more bite to their game, as the Portuguese defender snapped into a number of very good tackles and interceptions.

His reading of the game is very good, whereby he and Sergio Ramos know when to step up and intercept advancing Barcelona attackers.

Pepe announced himself in the game, and to the fans, with a wonderfully-timed tackle on Lionel Messi very early on in the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo Can Be a Difference Maker

Cristiano Ronaldo exorcised that "not a big game player" tag last season with a string of very good performances, notably against Barcelona in the Camp Nou and away to Sevilla.

But the Madrid attacker really showed his worth at the Bernabeu with an exceptional flick over Gerard Pique while running at pace, then composing himself to a hammer a shot past Victor Valdes.

The trickery in the forward's repertoire really shone through, and the goal was a good moment for Ronaldo as he really seemed to be enjoying the occasion from then on.

Barcelona Are Still Lacking an Aerially Dominant Centre-Back

Real Madrid found their way to goal just after 10 minutes as Gonzalo Higuain took advantage of a lazy piece of defending by Javier Mascherano.

Now, Mascherano has shown in the past that he has adapted well to the centre-back role, but the Argentine really struggled early on in the game.

The long ball over the top from Pepe caught Mascherano off guard, as he allowed the ball to bounce over his head and gift the opportunity to his countryman.

Would a bigger and well established centre-back have dealt with the danger better? Possibly. But there's no denying that Madrid capitalised on a weakness in the Barcelona defence.

Jose Mourinho Is Still a Great Tactician

Over both Super Cup legs, Jose Mourinho got his tactics absolutely spot on.

In the first leg at the Camp Nou, he instructed his team to remain composed, disciplined and narrow. The Real Madrid defence frustrated Barcelona above all else. The channels into the penalty area were being blocked off and certain Barcelona players resorted to diving in the box (notably, not Andres Iniesta).

On attack in the first leg, Madrid were decisive and knew what they wanted. Their attackers are better in the air than Barcelona's defenders, and Cristiano Ronaldo took advantage by climbing highest against Sergio Busquets.

But in the second leg at the Bernabeu, Mourinho's team quickened the pace. They suffocated Barcelona's breaks out of defence and they found the weaknesses in their opposition.

The game at the Camp Nou saw Barcelona pick up the win, but it was Mourinho who won this two-legged war. The tactics were excellent and hard to fault, and he really managed to bring the best out of a flat and seemingly lifeless team.

Lionel Messi Can Still Be Counted on for Goals

Lionel Messi followed on from his showing in last year's Super Cup by grabbing goals in both legs in this year's tie.

Barcelona's attacking magician looked dangerous on the occasions he was offered to advance. He did look lively in his game, but Barcelona really did struggle to control the game early on.

Again, it's worth noting just how impressive the Madrid defence and midfield were in shutting out Messi's attacks.

But both of his goals came via set pieces, with the penalty at the Camp Nou and a sensational free kick at the Bernabeu.

His performances in front of goal in these Clasico games were clearly carrying over from his La Liga form. And while he and Barcelona were far, far from their best, he was still able to find his way onto the score sheet.