Still undefeated in preseason!
Barcelona remain undefeated in preseason and won their second straight game in the United States tour thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in Las Vegas. The Blaugrana played a very good first half and came away with the victory thanks to a fantastic goal by Raphinha, and the crowd at Allegiant Stadium was treated to an intense, physical and sometimes feisty El Clásico.
FIRST HALF
The first half was played at a very nice pace, with both teams showing great intensity and fighting for every inch on the pitch. It was high-level football for a friendly played in very hot weather, and the first 45 minutes even had a little scuffle towards the end after some really physical play from both sides.
On the balance of play Barça were the better team, using possession more efficiently and moving the ball very fast from side to side. Raphinha was once again involved in everything good Barça did, and despite going one-on-one against one of the best defenders in the world in Antonio Rüdiger the Brazilian showed no fear and was a constant danger.
He also scored the lone goal of the half in sensational fashion after Éder Militão made a bad pass and gifted the Brazilian the ball in a great position, and Raphinha fired a rocket into the top corner to fire Barça ahead. The Blaugrana had more chances throughout the half, with Ansu Fati and Robert Lewandowski each missing a golden chance in front of goal.
At halftime, a very good game had Barça in front and the promise of a fun second half — albeit with vastly different teams.
SECOND HALF
Second halves in friendlies are usually a tough watch, and this was no exception: both teams made a lot of changes throughout the period, and the natural pace of the first half was very quickly lost.
Neither team managed to create a real chance until Franck Kessie missed a one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois in the 70th minute, and the most entertaining moments came whenever Gerard Piqué touched the ball and the crowd chanted Shakira’s name.
The most noteworthy aspect of the half from a Barça perspective was Frenkie De Jong once again playing center-back, in a clear message from Xavi Hernández and the people above him when it comes to the Dutchman’s future. Frenkie, the great player that he is, still managed to be productive out of position and proved that he can find a way to be good even if the club doesn’t want him anymore.
The final minutes of the game were quite fun as Madrid pushed for an equalizer but left themselves wide open for Barça counter-attacks, and the Blaugrana missed at least three very good chances to kill the game on the break.
No other goals were scored and the final whistle came to give Barça a narrow victory in a fun Clásico in Sin City. The first half is what really matters and Barça looked impressive for most of it, and the new signings are already starting to look very comfortable.
This team could be really, really good.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vázquez (Odriozola 70’), Militão (Vallejo 62’), Alaba (Nacho 46’), Rüdiger (Mendy 46’); Valverde (Modric 46’), Tchouameni (Casemiro 46’), Camavinga (Kroos 46’); Rodrygo (Ceballos 70’), Hazard (Asensio 46’), Vinicius (Mariano 70’)
Goals: None
Barcelona: Ter Stegen (Peña 62’); Araujo (Dest 62’), Christensen (De Jong 46’), Eric (Piqué 62’), Alba (Balde 46’); Gavi (Kessie 46’), Busquets (Nico 62’), Pedri (Roberto 62’); Raphinha (Memphis 62’), Lewandowski (Aubameyang 46’), Fati (Dembélé 46’)
Goal: Raphinha (27’)
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