Barcelona and Manchester City played a tight 3-3 draw at the Nou Camp last night. The game was friendly, and the funds will go towards researching ALS. It is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder. Former Barcelona player and coach Unzue has been suffering from this disease, and the two clubs came forward to honour him.
It was perhaps strange to witness a friendly three weeks into the start of the regular season. However, it was done for a good cause. Unzue had been a close friend of Pep Guardiola and adored in Barcelona circles. Two of the people close to him are now football managers at two European elite clubs, and they came together in his memory.
Barcelona vs Manchester City: Match Report
On the football side, it was a great contest. The new signings of both teams got some time in the spotlight and an opportunity to adjust to the system. Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie and Raphina were starters for the Blaugrana. On the other hand, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Sergio Gomez got a chance to impress Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona started as the better side, but failed to convert some of their opportunities. However, their backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena made a howler as he dropped the ball in the path of Alvarez for a tap-in.
However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang soon levelled the proceedings after a superb finish following a free kick from Jordi Alba. The game’s pace went down eventually, considering it was a friendly game.
Both teams did make a series of substitutions at the break. Soon after the break, Pena redeemed himself after a superb double save on Alvarez. At around the hour mark, Memphis Depay pounced on Kevin De Bruyne’s uncharacteristic error to slide in Frenkie De Jong, who converted. However, Cole Palmer equalized soon after from close range.
However, Memphis Depay helped Barcelona back in the lead after some good play by former City defender Eric Garcia and Sergio Roberto. But a stoppage-time penalty by Riyad Mahrez ensured the spoils were shared.
Follow us on Twitter for more football updates.
