IANS/DPA
Monte Carlo, Aug 29: Supersub Pedro Dominguez won the UEFA Super Cup for Barcelona in Monte Carlo Friday, with a classy extra-time goal that finally broke the deadlock against defensive Shakhtar Donetsk.
The late 1-0 win gives Barca their fifth trophy within the space of four months, and confirms their status as the best team in Europe.
With just just five minutes of extra-time left, with a penalty shootout looming, Pedro played a clever one-two with Lionel Messi, cut in from the left and scored with a calm low drive.
It was no more than Barca deserved, since they had dominated from start to finish against a Shakhtar side which was only interested in defending.
Barca dominated from start to finish but struggled to create clear chances on an appalling Louis II pitch.
A dull, sweaty match finally came to life in extra-time. Shakhtar finally had a shot on goal, but Julius Aghahowa had his low shot saved by Victor Valdes.
Bojan Krkic almost opened the scoring in the 10st minute, then Messi twice went close with his trademark left-foot drives.
Instead of preparing for the penalty shootout, patient Barca continued to attack - and finally received their just reward thanks to supersub Pedro.