Was anyone really surprised at what we were served up in Wednesday's Barcelona v Real Madrid Super Cup second leg?

It gave us the dazzling pieces of magic from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that makes us gasp for breath.

We also had the passion and commitment, befitting of two sides who regularly compete directly against each other for the top honours in Spanish and European football. If you bet on La Liga you rarely drift away from these two.

Sadly, all too often those passions spilled over into a series of niggly tackles, over-dramatic dives and eventually simmered towards a 22-man brawl with coaches and managers thrown in for good measure.

We were treated to all of this as Barca eventually overcame their great rivals 3-2 to take the early season curtain-raiser. A double from the irrepressible Messi the bedrock of their success - the La Liga odds suggest this won't be the last trophy they lift this season.

However, a crude, late challenge by Marcelo on Cesc Fabregas in the final minutes sparked off yet another bout of fisticuffs between both sets of players and benches.

Marcelo was rightly sent off, Ozil and Villa followed for their part in the melee, while Jose Mourinho caused controversy yet again by appearing to flick Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova in the face.

It was a childish and petulant act by Mourinho and one that may land him in trouble. However, the comments from some Barca players afterwards, saying that he is 'destroying' football, is a little bit hypocritical.

Barcelona, however good their football is, are no angels. They spend just as much time trying to get their opponents booked as Real do. The endless amount of diving and imaginary card waving is just as destructive to the game and infuriating to watch.

Just because Barca can produce moments of magic doesn’t mean they can judge others without ensuring their own house is in order.

That isn't excusing Mourinho, but I feel both clubs need to remember their responsibilities when they take to the field.

Passion, yes; skill; of course, but also respect and honesty to their opponents, referees and fans.