Barcelona, Man City withstand unfavorable weather to shine at ...

After a lengthy lightning delay and a deluge of rain throughout the evening, Manchester City and Barcelona delivered a spectacle for the sellout crowd of 63,237 fans

“That was fantastic. How nice it has been with the crowd full. Half Barcelona, half City supporters,” said Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola. “The game was so entertaining so I’m really pleased. I think it’s a perfect stadium.”

Two goals apiece from the European giants made for an exciting matchup, but no one was able to find the winner in regulation.

Barcelona opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Forward Pau Victor evaded a challenge from Kalvin Phillips and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Ederson. Fellow youngster Marc Casado had the assist as Barcelona took an early 1-0 lead.

It only took 15 minutes for City to draw things level. Midfielder Nico O’Reilly was on the receiving end of Josko Gvardiol’s incisive pass in the 39th minute. The 19-year-old had no trouble scoring on goalkeeper Inaki Pena to even the score at 1.

The Blaugrana added a second in first-half stoppage time, this time thanks to midfielder Pablo Torre. Torre faked out left back Josh Wildon-Esbrand and rocketed his shot into the back of the net to give the Spanish side the lead heading into halftime.

Mateo Kovacic led a brilliant counter attack for Manchester City in the 59th minute, slipping through Barcelona’s defense before laying a through ball off for Jack Grealish. Grealish, making up for a missed chance earlier in the half, buried it and brought City level again at 2-2.

The sides held a penalty shootout after the match, with Barcelona emerging victorious 4-1.

Manchester City heads to Columbus to take on Chelsea while Barcelona will face rival Real Madrid in New York. Both games are on Saturday.

Pictures: Manchester City vs. Barcelona in Orlando

Originally Published: July 31, 2024 at 12:51 a.m.