FIRST HALF
City initially dominated possession, creating early opportunities with Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish testing Iñaki Peña with some significant shots in the first few minutes, as per their usual style.
Barça, meanwhile, absorbed this pressure, maintaining a mid-block defensive shape and seeking chances to regain possession in midfield for swift counter-attacks. Despite this defensive stance, they also had their periods of control, orchestrating smooth ball movements through the lines. This was facilitated by the dynamic duo of Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal, who formed an effective double pivot, seamlessly linking defensive and offensive play through their incisive passing and rapid decision-making.
Casadó played a pivotal role in the opening goal, delivering a sublime assist that set up Pau Víctor for a one-on-one opportunity against Ederson, granting Barça the lead. Following this goal, Barcelona shifted to a more defensive posture, allowing City to dominate possession towards the end of the first half. Eventually, Nico O’Reilly broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a stellar assist from Josko Gvardiol.
However, Barcelona persisted with their high-intensity pressing and vigor, and their efforts paid off with a second goal. This time, it was Pau Víctor’s clever dummy that completely bamboozled the City defense, allowing Pablo Torre an abundance of time and room to slot the ball into the bottom corner, propelling Barça into the lead just before halftime.
The first half concluded with an entertaining start to the match, showcasing a spirited and ambitious Barcelona team performing cohesively and securing the lead as they headed into the break.
SECOND HALF
Both managers opted to field most of their starting players at the onset of the second half. City maintained their ball dominance in a bid to level the score, contrasting with Barcelona’s strategy of sitting back to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities.
Pau Víctor came close to scoring his second goal, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Stefan Ortega. Barça consistently posed a threat each time they regained possession high up the field. However, with some defensive alterations, they also exhibited vulnerabilities, leading to City’s second goal. Mateo Kovacic embarked on a solo counter-attack, setting up Jack Grealish for City’s second equalizer of the evening.
Subsequent to these developments, both teams underwent the customary slew of substitutions around the hour mark. Barcelona introduced more of their young talents onto the pitch, while Robert Lewandowski marked his preseason debut. Flick made additional changes with 15 minutes remaining, notably welcoming back Alejandro Balde after an absence of nearly six months.
The match’s tempo waned due to the substitutions, yet it regained momentum with increased physicality in the final 10 minutes. In a critical late opportunity, Barça nearly clinched victory as Noah Darvich set up Lewandowski for a goal-scoring chance, only for Callum Doyle to block the Pole’s attempt within the penalty area.
After the final whistle, a penalty shootout was required to determine the victor. Barça emerged triumphant with a 4-1 shootout win, aided by two crucial saves from backup goalkeeper Ander Astralaga. All four Barça penalty takers successfully converted their kicks, with Toni Fernández delivering the decisive strike.
The conclusion of the match provided an entertaining finale to the start of Barcelona’s preseason. Throughout the night, the team displayed high levels of energy and intensity, characteristic of Hansi Flick’s squads.
While attention may be drawn to rising talents like Casadó, Bernal, and Víctor, the team’s defensive structure and off-the-ball organization were equally commendable. Barcelona appeared well-prepared and disciplined, exhibiting significant fitness levels and commitment without possession. This solid initiation is a cause for satisfaction for Hansi Flick, although there is recognition that substantial work lies ahead.
