Barcelona Emerges Victorious in Clash Against Man City
Barcelona emerged victorious in a pre-season match against Manchester City in the Soccer Champions Tour 2024. The Barcelona vs. Man City match took place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, United States, on Wednesday (31/7/2024) morning WIB, with El Barca claiming victory through a penalty shootout drama with a score of 4-1.
Both teams went into a penalty shootout after drawing 2-2.
Barcelona’s pair of goals were scored by Pau Victor (24′) and Pablo Torre (45+2′). Meanwhile, Man City responded with two goals from Nico O’Reilly (39′) and Jack Grealish (60′).
Man City created the first opportunity in the sixth minute with a shot from Jack Grealish, which went wide of the goal.
The Citizens came close to scoring five minutes later when Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena failed to deflect Erling Haaland’s shot.
In the 21st minute, Pau Victor managed to steal the ball in Man City’s defense area and passed it to Marc Casado, whose shot went over the crossbar.
The Victor and Casado collaboration led to a goal three minutes later. Receiving Casado’s pass, Victor then kicked the ball past Man City’s goalkeeper, Ederson.
Man City had a chance from a free-kick taken by Oscas Bobb in the 30th minute. Kalvin Phillips attempted to reach the ball, but Pena already made the save.
A foul on Jack Grealish near the penalty box gave Man City another free-kick in the 35th minute.
Phillips’ execution went straight towards the top corner of the goal, but Pena once again made a successful save.
Man City leveled the score in the 39th minute thanks to Nico O’Reilly’s effort, capitalizing on Josko Gvardiol’s breakthrough pass.
The duo of Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb came close to doubling City’s advantage two minutes later. However, Lewis’s shot was blocked by Pena.
Barcelona eventually scored a second goal in injury time through Pablo Torre. The goal originated from Gerard Martin’s movement on the left side of the attack.
His shot sent the ball between Victor’s legs before reaching Torre, who unleashed a shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.