Barcelona vs Manchester city began their 2024-25 season on a high note with a 4-1 win on penalties against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City after a 2-2 draw in regular time. This was the first match of their preseason tour in the United States. Due to the storm that caused a one and a half delay to the start of the match, the teams ensured that the local audience was served with quality match. Barça displayed a good and energetic game after Flick took over the team and stunned moments were made by young players.
Barcelona vs Manchester City: First Half
Manchester City controlling the ball in the first half and creating early chance with Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish attempting shot on Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena. Barça was able to manage the pressure rather well, and looked to threaten the opposition from a mid-block. They also got good possession with the ball due to the successful combination of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal in the middle of the field.
Casado set up the first goal with a brilliant pass to Pau Victor, who scored past Ederson to give Barça the lead. After the goal, Barça sat back as City controlled possession, but City’s Nico O’Reilly eventually equalized after a good assist from Josko Gvardiol.
Barça continued to press with intensity and was rewarded with a second goal just before halftime. Pau Víctor’s clever dummy allowed Pablo Torre to score, giving Barça a 2-1 lead at the break.
Barcelona vs Manchester City: Second Half
Both teams kept most of their starters for the second half. City continued to control the ball, searching for an equalizer, while Barça looked to counter-attack. Pau Víctor nearly scored again, but City’s keeper Stefan Ortega made a great save. Barça looked dangerous on the counter but became more vulnerable at the back, allowing Mateo Kovacic to set up Jack Grealish for City’s second equalizer.
Both sides made numerous substitutions around the hour mark, with even more young Barça players getting a chance to play. Robert Lewandowski also made his preseason debut, and Alejandro Balde returned after nearly six months out. The game slowed down due to the substitutions but picked up pace again in the final minutes. Barça had a big chance to win when Noah Darvich set up Lewandowski, but Callum Doyle blocked his shot.
This match ended in a draw and thus it proceeded to a penalty shoot out that had the following outcomes. Finally, Barça triumphed 4-1, although reserve goalkeeper Ander Astralaga had to parry two penalties, and all the four Barca players netted their kicks. Toni Fernandez kicked the ball into the net from the penalty spot.
Indeed, this was a vigorous beginning of the preseason for Barca, which was intense throughout the match, as always with the teams of Hansi Flick. Casado, Bernal and Victor which are young players were able to impress and the structural and organizational form of the team was spectacular. Barca without the ball looked motivated, fit, prepared, and well-coached which gives Flick a good foundation to work on.
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