UEFA Super Cup: Barcelona 2 Porto 0

Cesc Fabregas netted for the first time since returning to Barcelona as they won their fourth UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Porto.

Lionel Messi had put the La Liga champions ahead late in the first half at the Stade Louis II in Monaco before substitute Fabregas volleyed home the sealer on Friday.

It gave Barcelona a 12th title under manager Pep Guardiola as Messi scored in the only competition he had previously failed to hit the target in.

Europa League holders Porto were reduced to nine men late in the game when Rolando and Fredy Guarin received their matching orders.

Messi, who had started quietly and looked uncomfortable at times, almost set up David Villa following a fantastic run and pass through the heart of the Porto defence, but Romanian full-back Cristian Sapunaru got a vital touch and goalkeeper Helton came charging off his line to gather.

Xavi then came close with a fierce drive from the edge of the area, but Helton pushed his strike over the crossbar.

Barcelona took the lead soon after as Guarin inexplicably played a back-pass into his own defensive area, where Messi was waiting alone to pounce, leaving Helton grounded with a feint and slotting into an empty net.

Guardiola’s team continued to attack and it brought another rash challenge from Rolando, already booked, who then saw red for a foul on Messi five minutes from time.

The Catalans took advantage as Messi turned provider for Fabregas, an 80th-minute substitute, who brought the Argentine’s cross down with his chest and volleyed past Helton.

Guarin’s late lunge on Javier Mascherano gave the referee no choice but to send him off in the dying moments as Barcelona eased to a comfortable win.