Hot New Barcelona VS Man City
The European season began a few weeks ago, but giants FC Barcelona and Manchester City broke from their competitive endeavors as they faced off in a charity match at the Camp Nou that benefits a cause close to home for both organizations.
The clubs played to a 3-3 draw in front of 91,000 fans, with Barcelona want-aways Frenkie de Jong, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Memphis Depay all on the scoresheet for the hosts. Julian Alvarez and Cole Palmer scored for Man City, and Riyad Mahrez finished off a penalty in stoppage time to level the score.
The teams got together at the Camp Nou to support Juan Carlos Unzue, a former teammate and assistant coach of Pep Guardiola's, in a match dubbed "A Great Game for a Greater Cause". Each manager has named a strong squad for the event, with the teams expected to feature top players in support of ALS research.
While the match is scheduled in the midst of the league season, it's still early enough in the campaign that it shouldn't cause too much trouble for either, as Champions League group stage games are not scheduled for a couple of weeks.
The 90 minutes were a success, with a massive audience to bring exposure to a cause important to many. The only blemishes on the game came at the end, as Man City youngster Luke Mbete-Tabu was stretchered off after a clash of heads. Then, moments later, Erling Haaland blatantly flopped to win the equalizing penalty which Mahrez blasted home.
The Sporting News will be following the match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
Barcelona vs. Man City final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Barcelona | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Man City | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Goals:
21st min — MCI — Julian Alvarez
29th min — BAR — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
66th min — BAR — Frenkie de Jong
70th min — MCI — Cole Palmer
79th min — BAR — Memphis Depay
98th min — MCI — Riyad Mahrez (pen)
Barcelona vs. Man City live updates, highlights, commentary
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-3 Man City
Guardiola and Xavi have a friendly embrace and a laugh at the full-time whistle that brings an enjoyable evening to a close.
It's a wonderful match that had plenty of action for a good cause. It ended with a whimper as thoughts are with the injured Mbete, and Erling Haaland flops to win a penalty. But the match on the whole was a success from every angle.
Riyad Mahrez steps up to take, and GOAL, MAN CITY! An absolutely thunderous penalty into the top-right corner.
90+6 min: We're finally back under way after over 10 minutes of stoppage. 11 minutes of injury time are given, with six of them already used up.
89th min: Concerning signs for Mbete after that clash of heads. He's sitting up and speaking with trainers, but then he lays back down. The cart comes out and there's been a significant delay, with Mbete eventually strapped into a backboard and taken off via the cart. As the board is loaded on the cart, players from both sides come by to send their wishes to the Man City youngster.
84th min: Goodness, it's been a rough night for Barcelona goalkeepers. Arnau Tenas, newly into the game, nearly with a gruesome error in possession, but he gets away with the bad heavy touch, touching himself back out of trouble as Kevin de Bruyne closed in.
There's a stoppage as Andreas Christensen, newly on for Jules Kounde, smacks heads with Mbete-Tabu of City. Christensen is up, while Mbete needs a little more attention.
Attendance announced as over 91,000 fans. Incredible turnout for the charity match to benefit ALS research.
79th min: GOAL, BARCELONA! Nothing Ortega could do about that smashed finish from Memphis Depay! A big switch of play comes to Sergi Roberto who lays off a perfect low cross to Depay on the penalty spot. The Dutchman is unmarked, and it's a blasted finish as he streaks in.
Barcelona make another few changes, with Arnau Tenas coming on in goal to replace Inaki Pena. Also, Sergino Dest comes on to replace Sergi Roberto, who interestingly hands the captain's armband to young Ansu Fati.
76th min: Chance, Barcelona! Memphis Depay looks to finish off a charge forward from Gavi, but Ortega is there to make the save for Man City. A good stop from the City backup.
74th min: First real moment of aggression in this match sees Palmer, who scored minutes ago, go flying in with a crunching tackle on Gavi. The referee shows leniency, but a free-kick is given in a dangerous position. Barcelona can't convert, as it's looped into the goalkeeper's bread basket.
70th min: GOAL, MAN CITY! Moments after Cancelo missed a glorious chance to equalize, he's involved in the move that does bring Man City level. Cancelo's cross from the right finds Cole Palmer for an easy finish on the doorstep, and it's too easy for the visitors.
Erling Haaland about to be introduced, as he's shown with his bib off on the sideline, chatting with Guardiola. Alvarez the man to come off.
Barcelona make more changes, with de Jong and Busquets off in favor of Miralem Pjanic and Pablo Torre.
69th min: Chance, Man City! The game has yet again exploded! Man City are pushing for an equalizer, and Julian Alvarez has a vicious rip from distance that is hammered right at Inaki Pena. The Barcelona goalkeeper can only push it away, right into the path of Joao Cancelo, but his follow-up is blasted over the bar.
66th min: GOAL, BARCELONA! Frenkie de Jong may be departing Barcelona this summer, but he's left one more mark on the Camp Nou. Kevin de Bruyne gifts the chance to Barcelona with a horrific square pass in his own penalty area which Gavi steals. Depay draws the goalkeeper out with his dribbling, and de Jong is there to finish off the chance with a drive that ripples the net. The hosts in front!
Source: https://www.sportingnews.com/