In the end, FC Barcelona’s first match under coach Hansi Flick ended in a penalty shoot-out victory. He was “very satisfied” afterwards
2:2 after 90 minutes, 4:1 in a penalty shoot-out – FC Barcelona beat Manchester City in a test match accompanied by thunder and lightning in Orlando in the US state of Florida. The match, which was also the Catalans’ first game under Hansi Flick, did not go into extra time.
“I’m very satisfied,” said the former national coach after the match with the English champions, which was kicked off 80 minutes late due to the weather. “We worked hard and, above all, defended and attacked as a team.”
Numerous stars from both squads were still missing in front of 63,000 spectators. The goalscorers for Barcelona were Pau Victor (24) and Pablo Torre (45+2), while Nico O’Reilly (39) and Jack Grealish (60) scored for Manchester, coached by the former Blaugrana player and coach.
Fighting spirit the key to success – against Real and Milan
“All the players fought for their teammates and that is the most important key to success,” said Flick, who was officially introduced last week. For the German and his new team, it was the first of three test matches as part of a US tour – the Clasico against Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday (1.00 CEST) and the clash with AC Milan in Baltimore on Wednesday (1.30 CEST).
La Liga kicks off for the Catalans at Valencia FC on August 17, with the Premier League for City at Chelsea FC the following day. However, the Skyblues will play the English Super Cup final against city rivals Man United (August 10).