Watch Highlights: Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in a preseason friendly, winning 1-0. Las Vegas’s El Clasico.
Barcelona overcame Real Madrid by a slim 1-0 margin in Las Vegas to win their second straight match on the United States tour and maintain their perfect preseason record. Raphinha’s incredible goal gave the Blaugrana the win after a strong first half performance, and the Allegiant Stadium crowd enjoyed an aggressive, gritty, and occasionally raucous El Clásico.
FIRST HALF
Both sides displayed remarkable intensity in the first half and competed fiercely for every square inch of the field. It was high-level football for a friendly played in sweltering heat; after some particularly rough play from both teams in the first 45 minutes, there was even a little altercation.
Barça used possession more effectively and moved the ball from side to side very quickly, making them the superior team overall on the field of play.
Raphinha participated in every successful move that Barça made once more. Despite facing off against Antonio Rüdiger, one of the best defenders in the world, the Brazilian showed no fear and was a constant threat.
After Éder Milito mishandled the ball and gave the Brazilian the ball in a prime position, Raphinha scored Barça’s lone goal of the half in spectacular way.
Raphinha unleashed a rocket into the top corner to give Barça the lead. Throughout the first half, the Blaugrana had the better opportunities, with Ansu Fati and Robert Lewandowski each missing a prime goal-scoring opportunity.
Barça led at halftime in a really good game, and the second half held promise of being entertaining even if the teams were completely different.
SECOND HALF
The second halves of friendlies are typically difficult to watch, and this one was no different. Both teams made numerous substitutions, and the first half’s natural tempo was rapidly gone.
The only genuine chance for either team came in the 70th minute when Franck Kessie missed a one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois. The most entertaining parts of the game occurred anytime Gerard Piqué touched the ball and the fans screamed Shakira’s name.
Frenkie De Jong’s return to center back during the first half was the most notable development for Barça, serving as a direct statement from Xavi Hernández and others in positions of authority regarding the Dutchman’s future.
Being the outstanding player that he is, Frenkie still found a way to contribute while playing outside of his normal position, demonstrating that he can still excel even if his current team no longer wants him.
The game’s closing minutes were highly entertaining as Madrid attempted to equalize but left themselves vulnerable to Barça counterattacks. The Blaugrana wasted at least three excellent opportunities to end the match on the break.
In a thrilling Clásico in Sin City, there were no further goals scored before the final whistle, which gave Barça a slim victory. What counts most is the first half, and for the most part, Barça looked excellent. Additionally, the new additions are already beginning to appear extremely at ease.
Watch El Clasico Highlights
🍿 Barça capture #ElClásico in Las Vegas! pic.twitter.com/2kIYdS8Wy1
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 24, 2022
Real Madrid’s starting lineup is as follows: Courtois; Vázquez (Odriozola 70′), Milito (Vallejo 62′), Alaba (Nacho 46′), Rüdiger (Mendy 46′); Valverde (Modric 46′), Tchouameni (Casemiro 46′), Camavinga (Kroos 46′); Rodrygo (Ceballos 70′), Hazard (Asen
Objects: none
Ter Stegen (Pea 62′), Araujo (Dest 62′), Christensen (De Jong 46′), Eric (Piqué 62′), Alba (Balde 46′), Busquets (Nico 62′), Pedri (Roberto 62′), Gavi (Kessie 46′), Raphinha (Memphis 62′), Lewandowski (Aubameyang 46′), and Fati (Dem
Raphinha (27′) scores.
