In a highly anticipated pre-season friendly, Barcelona, under the guidance of new manager Hansi Flick, secured a thrilling 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Manchester City after the match ended 2-2 at full-time.
The encounter, played at Orlando in front of a sell-out crowd of 63,237 spectators, marked the beginning of Barcelona’s US tour.
The encounter, played at Orlando in front of a sell-out crowd of 63,237 spectators, marked the beginning of Barcelona’s US tour.
The match got off to a delayed start due to a storm, but the teams made up for lost time with a strong early pace. Barcelona took the lead in the 24th minute through Pau Victor’s right-footed effort, only for Nico O’Riley to equalize for Manchester City in the 39th minute. Pablo Torre restored Barcelona’s lead with a stunning right-footed strike in first-half stoppage time.
The second half saw Jack Grealish equalize for City in the 60th minute with an impressive left-footed shot. With no further goals in regular time, the match proceeded to penalties.
Barcelona took a 3-0 lead in the shootout before Amar Ahmed kept City in contention. However, 16-year-old Toni Fernandez sealed the win for Barcelona with a left-footed shot past Stefan Ortega.
This victory marks a triumphant start to Hansi Flick’s tenure as Barcelona manager. The Spanish giants will continue their US tour with matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan, while Manchester City will face Chelsea on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
