Hansi Flick remains unbeaten with FC Barcelona after 90 minutes. The Catalans overcame a 2-0 deficit against Milan in Baltimore – and then lost in a “show penalty shoot-out.”
Under its new coach Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona remains hard to beat: after preparation wins against Manchester City (4:1 on penalties) and Real Madrid (2:1), the Catalans also demanded everything from a much more prominent AC Milan on Wednesday night.
In front of 51,337 spectators at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore (Maryland), however, the Italians got off to the much better start. Because ex-Dortmund player Pulisic excelled in his “home game”: After just ten minutes, the USA international set up the former Frankfurt player Jovic with an outstanding finish and a great deal of vision, and a short time later, he fooled the German national keeper ter Stegen with a left-footed shot from an acute angle after a pass from Rafael Leao (15th).
Barcelona were challenged – and now delivered. After a quick break forward, Lewandowski played in Raphinha on the left, but the 19-year-old goalkeeper Torriani had a great day (18). However, Raphinha then found goal scorer Lewandowski after a huge ricochet, who punished Thiaw, who hesitated in the duel, with a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner – just 1:2 (22′).
At this stage, Barcelona’s vertical play was causing Milan extreme problems, but Torriani again saved from Raphinha (24′). Shortly afterwards, the Milan keeper cleared Lewandowski’s header from close range on the line (29). Barcelona were celebrating in first-half stoppage time, but Lewandowski’s brilliant chipped pass to Pau Victor was disallowed for offside
Flick: “We played a great second half “
The Catalans stayed in contention after the break – and equalized with this combination: Pau Victor, hero of the recent Clasico, surged into the penalty area on the right and crossed perfectly for Lewandowski, who only had to keep his left foot out (58′).
The game ultimately went to a penalty shoot-out after the regular 90 minutes, in which several professionals lost their nerve, but Torriani denied 20-year-old Faye the decisive attempt
“We played a great second half,” praised Flick more than once during the subsequent press conference. Lewandowski received special praise from the former Bayern coach: “He deserved both goals because he worked very hard for them.” Overall, the former national coach likes what his squad is showing him on the US tour. “We have 16-year-old players who have played exceptionally well,” said Flick. “There are players who have really improved a lot in the last few days. “
