Manchester City’s defender #24 Josko Gvardiol (C) runs with the ball during the 2024 FC Series pre-season friendly football match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)
New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick celebrated a victorious start on Tuesday as his team edged out Manchester City on penalties after a 2-2 draw in their pre-season friendly in Orlando.
Toni Fernandez, who recently signed with Barcelona after turning 16, secured the win with a left-footed shot past City’s reserve goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, clinching a 4-1 penalty shootout victory for Flick’s side.
Barcelona commenced their US tour with this pre-season match against the four-time reigning Premier League champions, managed by former Barcelona player and coach Pep Guardiola.
Despite an 80-minute delay due to a storm, the sellout crowd of 63,237 enjoyed a lively match. Both teams rotated their squads, giving ample playing time to reserve players.
Barcelona gained an early advantage in the penalty shootout with Alejandro Balde’s left-footed goal. Although Amar Ahmed kept City in contention by scoring against Barcelona’s reserve goalkeeper Ander Astralaga, Fernandez’s decisive strike secured the win for the Catalan giants.
In open play, Pau Victor opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 24th minute, finishing a quick through ball from Marc Casado with a powerful right-footed shot.
Manchester City equalized in the 39th minute through Nico O’Riley, who capitalized on a pass from Croatian international Josko Gvardiol, making his first US tour start.
Barcelona regained the lead just before halftime with a goal from Pablo Torre. The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder received a centering pass from Gerard Martin, maneuvered the ball to his right, and fired a right-footed shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.
City leveled the match again in the 60th minute when Jack Grealish finished an impressive fast break initiated by Croatian international Mateo Kovacic, who made his first start on the US tour.
Barcelona continues their US tour with upcoming matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan. Meanwhile, Manchester City, having lost previous US matches to Celtic and AC Milan, will conclude their tour against Chelsea on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.