Fellow Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo upset Liverpool in last year's final, and another South American side, Corinthians, won the inaugural event in 2000.

The European champs dominated the game for long stretches but failed to capitalize. In the opening half-hour Barca created some chances but were turned away each time.

In the 19th minute, Giovanni van Bronckhorst fired a shot on target from long range that Clemer was able to save easily. However, the keeper fumbled the shot and gave Ronaldinho a chance on the rebound. Clemer was able to deflect his attempt wide of goal, bailing himself out.

Eidur Gudjohnsen then missed a couple of opportunities to put Barcelona ahead. Gudjohnsen first headed a cross from Ludovic Giuly over the net, and just a few minutes later, smacked a right-footed effort wide.

The first half finished scoreless, but Barca looked to be the much more dangerous side.

The pace slowed in the second half, with Barcelona controlling possession but failing to score. The Spanish club seemed to be in control of the match, but they soon found themselves trailing in the 82nd minute.

Iarley slid a through-ball past the Barcelona back line and second-half substitute Adriano ran onto it and slotted his shot past Victor Valdes in the Barca net, putting Internacional on top 1-0.

The two-time defending La Liga champions then pressed forward for the final eight minutes in search of the equalizer, but came up empty.

Deco clipped his shot from 25-yards out over the net, and Ronaldinho's free- kick effort sailed just wide of the post, securing the title for the Brazilians.