New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick began his tenure on a high note on Tuesday as the Spanish giants triumphed over Manchester City on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in their pre-season friendly in Orlando. Toni Fernandez, who recently signed with Barcelona after turning 16, scored the decisive penalty, securing a 4-1 win in the shootout for Flick’s team. The match marked the beginning of Barcelona’s US tour against the four-time Premier League champions, led by former Barcelona player and coach Pep Guardiola.
Despite an 80-minute delay due to a storm, the sellout crowd of 63,237 was treated to a lively contest. Both teams rotated in numerous reserve players. Barcelona initially took a 3-0 lead in the penalty shootout, with Alejandro Balde converting before Amar Ahmed kept City’s hopes alive by scoring against reserve goalkeeper Ander Astralaga. Fernandez then clinched the win for Barcelona.
In regulation play, Pau Victor opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 24th minute, firing a right-footed shot into the net off a quick pass from Marc Casado. Manchester City equalized in the 39th minute through Nico O’Riley, who finished with a left-footed strike from a Josko Gvardiol assist. Pablo Torre restored Barcelona’s lead just before halftime with a right-footed shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.
City’s Jack Grealish leveled the score again in the 60th minute, finishing a fast break initiated by Croatian international Mateo Kovacic. Kovacic split two defenders and raced upfield before passing to Grealish, who scored with a left-footed shot from a tight angle.
Barcelona will continue their US tour with pre-season matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan. Meanwhile, City, having previously lost to Celtic and AC Milan, will conclude their US tour by facing Chelsea on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
