Pedro goal gives Super Cup 2009 against Shaktar Donetsk: Messi, the player of the match

Pedro Rodríguez goal gives to Barcelona the European Super Cup 2009 (UEFA) against Shaktar Donetsk. Lionel Andrés Messi, assisted him and was the best player of the hole night.

Barça play in the European Super Cup for the seventh time tonight, thus equalling Milan’s all-time record.

Just by taking part in tonight’s game at the Louis II, Barça are making history, as they equal Milan’s tally of seven appearances in a competition that has been held since 1973.

The ‘rossoneri’ have a record five titles. Barça, despite competing six times before, have only brought home the trophy twice.

European Super Cup 2009: Final session before leaving for Monaco

The senior squad had their last training session in Barcelona on Wednesday evening before leaving for Monaco. As it is a final Guardiola has decided to take the 24 available players.

The session, the second of the week focussed on Friday’s European Super Cup match against Shakhtar Donetsk, started at 6.30 pm and was held behind closed doors. Reserve team youngsters Marc Bartra and Oriol Romeu joined the usual group.

All available players: as happened last year for the Valencia and Rome finals, Guardiola has decided to take all his available players including Jonathan, Fontàs, Muniesa and Jeffren from the reserves.

Shaktar – Sivasspor: it is time for Europa League

All details of tonight’s clash between Shakhtar and Sivasspor have been arranged in a recent meeting today. The match kicks off at 19:00. All participants of the clash should arrive 90 minutes before the match at RSC Olympiyskyy.

Tonight guest team will appear in a white kit with red elements, then, the Miners are going to wear their conventional, orange and black striped gear.

The UEFA delegate Odd Flattum inspected RSC Olimpiyskyy stadium and its lawn before the meeting. The Norwegian remained satisfied with its level. During the meeting he also claimed if the match ended a 3-0 Turkish win, the winner would be decided after extra-time, or in case of need, after penalty shoot-outs. Such statement arose a smile even in Sivas team representatives…

Tonight’s match will become the only that will be held in the tournament framework, Odd Flattum went on. It will draw special attention. The entire Europe will see it.

From this point of view Odd Flattum paid attention to the UEFA attitude towards all kinds of racism. The match will be interrupted in case of any abusive behaviour mentioned. But the referee claimed with assurance that there might not be any problems.

An hour before the play-off round match the pitch will be irrigated in a mutual agreement.

An approximate number of supporters that are eager to come to the match is about 22 000. And 112 media representatives were accredited to broadcast this event.

Andreas Georgiou, a Cypriot observer, could not help paying a compliment: The officiating crew for tonight’s match is the best as well as the teams are playing tonight. That is why football is going to be a real pleasure for supporters.

FC Shakhtar Press Office