Barcelona’s preseason campaign under new coach Hansi Flick kicked off with a spectacular 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Manchester City, following an exciting 2-2 draw in regulation time. The match, held in Orlando, was a promising start for the Blaugrana, showcasing the talents of their young squad.
First Half: Early Pressure and Quick Counter-Attacks
Manchester City dominated possession early on, with Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish forcing impressive saves from Barça’s Iñaki Peña. Despite City’s pressure, Barcelona’s midfield duo, Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal, orchestrated effective counter-attacks. Casadó’s brilliant assist set up Pau Víctor for the opening goal, putting Barça ahead.
City equalized through Nico O’Reilly after a fine assist from Josko Gvardiol. However, Barça regained the lead just before halftime with Pablo Torre capitalizing on a clever dummy by Pau Víctor to score the second goal.
Second Half: Tactical Battles and Late Drama
Both teams retained their intensity in the second half. City’s Mateo Kovacic assisted Jack Grealish for the equalizer, leveling the score at 2-2. As substitutions flowed, including Robert Lewandowski’s preseason debut and Alejandro Balde’s return, the match’s pace varied but retained its competitive edge.
Barcelona had a late chance to secure the win when Noah Darvich set up Lewandowski, but Callum Doyle’s timely intervention kept the scores level. The game culminated in a penalty shootout, where Ander Astralaga’s crucial saves and confident penalties from Barça secured a 4-1 victory.
Promising Signs Under Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick’s debut as Barcelona’s coach was marked by high energy, organization, and promising performances from young talents like Casadó, Bernal, and Víctor. The team’s structure and fitness levels were commendable, indicating a well-prepared squad for the upcoming season.
For more details, check out the full match report on Barça Blaugranes.
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