Saturday's International Cup match in California pitted Barcelona against Manchester United.
The Premier League side led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a powerful Wayne Rooney header.
Barcelona remained in control of the possession in the second period, but they fell 2-0 behind in the 65th minute when Jesse Lingard finished off a Tyler Blackett cross.
The Catalan outfit had one back late on through Rafinha, but there was still time for one more goal as Adnan Januzaj scored a third for United to seal the win.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's pre-season coverage continues from California and it is a real standout match as Barcelona face Manchester United. Technically, this match comes under the competition of the International Cup, but in truth, no-one is quite sure just how the tournament works. All you need to know is that two of the biggest clubs in world football are facing off and we will have all of the build-up and team news, followed by the action. A long night ahead with me, but I am certain it will be worth it in the end.
Just a reminder that the match is not due to kickoff until 9pm, but be sure to stay with me throughout the evening and you will not miss a moment. The team news is expected to land in the next 30 minutes or so, but there will be no Lionel Messi or Neymar for Barcelona following their exploits at the Copa America.
The stage is set. #MUtour pic.twitter.com/j4Q6mTYVwT
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 25, 2015The likes of Javier Hernandez, Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo have now joined up with Manchester United, but we are unlikely to see those three this evening. Louis van Gaal is very particular about the fitness of his players! It will be interesting to see how many minutes each player is given - only Sam Johnstone has played more than one half of football for United since arriving in the United States.
Quite incredibly, Barcelona's last two competitive meetings with Manchester United have both been Champions League finals. In the 2009 final, Barcelona recorded a 2-0 victory to claim the trophy, and they were also winners by two goals (3-1) in the 2011 final at Wembley. Who knows, maybe their next competitive meeting will be in this season's Champions League final. For now, it is another pre-season friendly.
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The pair have met twice since the 2011 final, however, both in friendlies. United were 2-1 winners in July 2011, before the two teams played out a 0-0 draw in August 2012. It is quite comfortably the biggest match of this year's International Cup and as expected, the fans have turned out in their numbers.
Both of these teams are at different stages of their preparations for the new campaign. Manchester United will open their Premier League season on August 8, but Barcelona's La Liga campaign does not begin until August 23. That said, the Catalan outfit do have both the European Super Cup against Sevilla and Spanish Super Cup (two legs) against Athletic Bilbao before the start of the league season.
Barcelona have also only just arrived in the United States. The Catalan outfit recorded a 2-1 victory over LA Galaxy in their first pre-season game earlier this week, with Luis Suarez and Sergi Roberto on the scoresheet against Steven Gerrard's new club. Luis Enrique's side are without a number of their key players due to this summer's Copa America, but they have still travelled with a very strong squad.
Manchester United, meanwhile, recorded a 1-0 victory over Club America in their first pre-season match, with Morgan Schneiderlin scoring his first goal for the club. On Wednesday, Van Gaal's side made it two wins from two matches when they beat MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes 3-1. Both were fairly decent performances for pre-season, but Van Gaal will certainly be looking for improvement in this one.
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Van Gaal said in his press-conference ahead of the match that his starting XI against Barca would not be far from his starting side against Spurs on the first day of the season. Team news is imminent...
Some squad news rather than team news - Javier Hernandez has arrived at the stadium with his Manchester United teammates, but Di Maria and Rojo are not due to link up with the team until after the match.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! David de Gea starts for Manchester United between the sticks, while it is Daley Blind and Phil Jones at centre-back. Full teams and the Barca team news to follow. De Gea is back!
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UNITED XI: De Gea; Darmian, Jones, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Schneiderlin; Mata, Memphis, Young; Rooney
Barcelona team news is on the way, have no fear. That is the confirmed United XI, however, and it is very interesting indeed. Will that team start against Spurs on the first day of the new league season? Memphis Depay has made a serious impression on this tour and will once again start behind Wayne Rooney.
.@LUISENRIQUE21 with americanfans before the game #tourFCB pic.twitter.com/ZvYi0kdjc1 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 25, 2015
The Barcelona team news is in and I can confirm that Pedro starts for the Catalan outfit...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Adriano, Vermaelen, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Roberto, Rafinha; Iniesta, Pedro, Suarez
UNITED: De Gea; Darmian, Jones, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Schneiderlin; Mata, Memphis, Young; Rooney
So there we have it. The team news is in! Let's start with Barcelona, who are of course without their South American contingent who took part in the Copa America. Luis Suarez starts against his old rivals, while Pedro is in the XI despite speculation that he will be moving to Manchester United this summer.
Adriano, who has been linked with a move to Roma, is also in the team at right-back, while Thomas Vermaelen starts in the centre of defence alongside former Manchester United centre-back Gerard Pique. Sergi Roberto, Sergio Busquets and Rafinha will make up the midfield, with Andres Iniesta further forward.
As for Manchester United, the big news is that De Gea returns between the sticks following a back problem and huge speculation surrounding his future. Antonio Valencia is not quite ready to return, however, which means another start at right-back for Matteo Darmian. As confirmed by Van Gaal at his press conference on Friday, Bastian Schweinsteiger will play no part after picking up a slight injury.
Depay keeps his spot in the team behind the lone striker Wayne Rooney, while Juan Mata and Ashley Young also keep their places in the XI after impressing on tour thus far. Three summer signings make Van Gaal's XI, with Schneiderlin starting in the centre of midfield alongside the evergreen Michael Carrick.
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Last season was just spectacular for Barcelona. In Luis Enrique's first campaign in charge, the Spaniard delivered a treble. The La Liga title was regained from Atletico Madrid, while they also lifted the Copa del Rey crown. All that was left was the Champions League final and the Catalan outfit beat Juventus 3-1 to lift the trophy once again. No doubt, they are currently the top team in European football.
It was a season full of goals, as expected with Messi, Neymar and Suarez, but Barca's defensive improvement was also very impressive. There are still subtle question marks over their back four, but the numbers were there for all to see last season. They had the best defensive record in La Liga and produced some excellent defensive performances in the Champions League. It is just a sensational team.
In terms of looking forward, Barcelona will face both Chelsea and Fiorentina before they depart the United States early next month. Chelsea are the Spanish club's opponents on July 29, before Fiorentina face the Catalan outfit on August 2. On paper, it is a tough set of pre-season fixtures, but it will prepare the club for the season ahead. The atmosphere is really building inside the stadium as the stands fill!
As mentioned, Barcelona do not actually open their La Liga defence until August 23, when they travel to Athletic Bilbao. Incidentally, that will be their third consecutive match against Bilbao as they prepare to face the Basque outfit over two legs of the Spanish Super Cup. Before that, the Spanish outfit will also face Sevilla in the European Super Cup in Georgia on August 11. Busy times ahead!
Come on, Red Devils! @ManUtd - @FCBarcelona
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) July 25, 2015
As for Man United, this is the penultimate match of their USA tour. The Reds are back in action on Thursday against Paris Saint-Germain, before returning to Manchester. As it stands, the PSG fixture is their final pre-season match, with their Premier League season getting underway on August 8 at home to Spurs.
Of course, no game in the Premier League is straight-forward, but United's start to the campaign, on paper, is quite favourable. Spurs at home is a tough test, but they then travel to Aston Villa, welcome Newcastle United and travel to Swansea City, before facing Liverpool after the international break.
There are a number of interesting side-stories to this match, and one of those will be Van Gaal going head-to-head against his former student Enrique. The now Barcelona boss played under the Dutchman during his time in charge at the Camp Nou and there is clearly a lot of respect there. Van Gaal recently described Enrique as a player that "always gave 100% on the field, much like Wayne Rooney".
It must be said that the Levi's Stadium is a very impressive venue indeed. It is the 68,500-capacity home of the San Francisco 49ers American football team and it will not come as much of a surprise that the game is a sell-out. This particular ground did not hold its first football match until August 2014, when San Jose Earthquakes went up against Seattle Sounders. It is just bouncing this afternoon.
Warming up with Wayne... #MUtour pic.twitter.com/uJqGanfkfZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 25, 2015
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Two of the biggest teams in world football clash in this pre-season friendly in California - let's hope for a good game!
Rooney skippers United this afternoon, while Iniesta has the armband for Barca.
Kick off is going to be slightly delayed here. Not that the fans mind - they are going mad!
Plenty of hugs and kisses in the tunnel, and Pique is at the heart of them. The centre-back comes up against his former club here. Plenty of international connections as well and plenty of respect.
KICK OFF! The weather is excellent. The pitch is excellent. The scene is set for a very good game of football. It is a real test for Manchester United here. The Premier League side get the action underway...
Pre-season fixtures do not come much bigger than this. As expected, it has been a fairly open start, with both teams attempting to gain an early foot-hold. The opening 10 minutes will be fascinating. United start well down the left as Young delivers into Rooney, but the ball gets stuck under his feet!
Barcelona have just started to enjoy a spell of possession, which is no surprise. Whoever plays for the Catalan outfit can expect plenty of the ball. Barcelona have a free kick just outside the box as Young brings Rafinha to the ground. Good early chance for the Catalan outfit to test De Gea here...
... POST! De Gea is rooted to the spot and watches Suarez rattle the post from the free kick! It is a really special effort from the former Liverpool striker, who is already looking very dangerous here.
United have the chance to break with Carrick following a smart piece of work, and the England midfielder feeds Mata, but the Spaniard cannot slide a pass into Rooney as Pedro comes across to clear the danger.
SAVE! Wonderful piece of goalkeeping from De Gea as the United stopper stands up to deny Roberto, who burst into the United box under little pressure. Looked offside, but he stayed on!
In truth, Barcelona could already be 2-0 ahead in the early stages here.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Man United (Rooney)
United take the lead in the eighth minute as Rooney heads a Young corner into the back of the net. Adriano called for a foul, but Rooney was simply stronger and headed past a static Ter Stegen!
Barcelona remain in control of the possession as they continue to pass and probe, but United look dangerous each time they break with pace and purpose. It has been a super 11 minutes of football here.
Depay continues to run off Rooney, which is causing problems at the back for the Catalan outfit. Barcelona are still comfortable in possession, but are not creating too much at the moment. That said, Luis Enrique will feel that his team should have been 2-0 ahead in the opening seven minutes or so.
Iniesta continues to pull the strings for Barcelona, but his sweeping pass towards Adriano is just too strong and United regain control of the ball. It is a very open and attacking game at the moment.
Half-chance for Barcelona as United lose possession just outside their own box, but Roberto's low effort is deflected wide of the post. Some suspect defending from United in the opening 16 minutes here!
United have been nice and sharp in possession thus far as the Premier League side continue to use the whole pitch, but Barcelona's high-pressing style is bringing a couple of mistakes. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but I am still predicting goals in this one.
Just a reminder that Barcelona are only in their second pre-season match, while this is United's third. Fitness is the name of the game during pre-season, but results are always important. The referee has been busy in the last couple of minutes following a number of untidy challenges. Still 1-0 United here.
Schneiderlin concedes possession in a central area, which presents a dangerous phase of play to Barcelona, but eventually a free kick is given for a push. Bit of a let-off for United there.
This United XI are expected to play around 60 minutes here, before 11 changes are made. Barcelona, meanwhile, are expected to make changes at the interval. Not too much in the final third for either team at the moment, but the intensity and tempo is still there. The opening 25 minutes have just flown past.
CHANCE! United again threaten down the left as Young drives into the space before rolling a pass into Rooney, but the England striker takes it just too wide and Ter Stegen makes the save.
Rooney again meets a whipped corner from Young, but this time, his header is over!
CHANCE! Another super chance for United as a wonderful spell of football leads to Mata finding Young, who drives into the box before curling one towards the top corner, but Ter Stegen pushes over.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Roberto drives down the right before delivering a cross towards Suarez, but De Gea is on hand to claim with a diving save. Rooney's header still the difference here.
CHANCE! Another chance for United as Darmian delivers a super cross into Rooney, who fails to make contact, but Young picks up the pieces and has a shot blocked, before Rooney is also denied. Bit of a scramble inside the box, but Barcelona do manage to clear. Super United work again here!
It must be said that this has been a very enjoyable opening 33 minutes of football!
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and at the moment, United are the better team. Barcelona had two super chances in the early stages, but it has been all United since that spell.
Just a reminder that we will have a penalty shootout if the scores are level after 90 minutes this afternoon. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in this game. Barcelona have had most of the ball in the last three or four minutes, but are struggling to get behind this United defence.
Busquets heads straight at De Gea from a corner as Barca have a half-chance once more.
Problem for Darmian as the right-back hits the deck and stays there following a clash with Suarez.
Both sets of players have used this stoppage to get some water on board, which is not a bad idea. Darmian has returned to his feet and it does appear that the Italian international will continue here.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Iniesta finds a stunning pass into Alba, but the left-back cannot take the ball in his stride and the chance is gone. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
The tempo has just dropped in the last five or 10 minutes, which is not too surprising.
POST! Suarez twists and turns outside the United box before bending one towards the bottom corner, but his effort smashes the outside of the post. Another super effort from the South American.
Pedro drives a low cross into Suarez, but his effort is saved by De Gea. Barcelona have been on the front foot in the last five or so minutes, with United looking tired for the first time this afternoon.
Just the one additional minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 0-1 Man United
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Manchester United leading Barcelona courtesy of a Wayne Rooney header. Pre-season friendlies are sometimes a little dull, but this has been an excellent game of football. Both teams have had a number of clear opportunities thus far.
Barcelona could actually have been two goals ahead inside the first seven minutes, but Suarez hit the post before Roberto missed a one-on-one with De Gea. With eight minutes on the clock, Rooney headed a Young corner into the back of the net. Young has also had a couple of chances himself, while Suarez hit the woodwork for a second time late in the first period. All in all, a super first period in California!
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona are of course without their South American contingent, but the likes of Rakitic, Bartra, Mathieu, Munir, Sandro and Samper will all be looking for minutes in the second period. For Man United, we are likely to see Januzaj, Smalling, Herrera, Pereira, Wilson & Co. in the second 45 minutes. The starting United XI are expected to play at least 60 minutes before alterations are made.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. No changes from either side at the break, which is more surprising on Barcelona's part. Barca resume the action.
SUBS! Scrap that! Same United XI, but Barcelona have made two changes, with Rakitic and Masip entering the field in place of Ter Stegen and Adriano. Roberto has gone to right-back for the Spaniards.
Decent start to the second period from United, who have been confident in possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the result.
BOOKING! Jones (Man United) is booked for a late challenge on Pedro.
CHANCE! Depay does brilliantly to burst beyond the Barcelona defence before the Dutchman cuts past Pique and curls one towards the bottom corner, but Masip is on hand to make the save.
Busy few moments for Masip as the Barcelona stopper then denies Rooney from distance.
Just a reminder that Van Gaal is expected to make changes around the hour mark in this match. The tempo is building once again as both teams continue to threaten in the final third. Suarez is a real threat.
Barcelona continue to look dangerous, with Suarez's movement causing a lot of problems. However, Jones and Blind have both been impressive at the heart of the defence this afternoon in California. You just get the feeling that another goal is on its way. It is a surprise that there has been just the one goal.
For a friendly, there have been a number of tasty challenges here! It will not come as much of a surprise that Suarez has been involved in a lot of the incidents. Still 1-0 to United in California.
Darmian fells Iniesta and Barcelona have a free kick in another dangerous area...
... Rakitic goes for goal, but his effort just ripples the top of the net. Super effort!
SUB! Third Barca change as Mathieu replaces Vermaelen.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Suarez converts from inside the box, but the striker was offside when he collected a pass from Pedro. Let-off for United!
United are preparing to make 10 changes it seems. Yes, 10 changes!
SUBS! Scrap that, 11 changes it seems!
UNITED SECOND XI: Johnstone; Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Blackett; Fellaini, Herrera; Lingard, Januzaj, Pereira; Wilson
So, a whole new United XI for the final 25 minutes or so. Very interesting indeed.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-2 Man United (Lingard)
Wow! United have their second of the match as Blackett delivers a super low cross into the Barcelona box and Lingard is on hand to convert at the far post. Against the run of play, United lead 2-0 here.
Barcelona are preparing to make a host of changes as well here...
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Januzaj to score a third for United after a super pass from Valencia, but the Belgian fires wide from inside the box. Where was the Barcelona defending?!
SUBS! Munir, Gumbau, Halilovic and Sandro are on for Pique, Iniesta, Pedro and Suarez.
So, both managers have really rung the changes now, which is not much of a surprise in this heat. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals as the play continues to open up here.
Bartra has also come on for Busquets, that change went under the radar a little!
POST! Barcelona hit the woodwork for a third time as Munir's header is kept out!
It must be said that this has been a really cracking game of football. Barcelona will feel that they do not deserve to be 2-0 down and might have a point, they should have scored at least once here.
CHANCE! United again come close as Januzaj drives down the right before firing a low cross towards Wilson, but Masip just does enough to palm clear and it would not fall for Lingard!
Half-chance for Barcelona as Gumbau finds space outside the box, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining and United still lead 2-0 here.
BOOKING! Herrera (Man United) goes in the book for a late challenge on Gambau.
United again threaten on the counter as Wilson's pace takes him away from the Barcelona defence, but the striker cannot feed a pass into Januzaj, who is causing all sorts of problems down the middle for United.
CHANCE! Barcelona come close to finding the back of the net as Sandro delivers a super cross towards the far post, but Rakitic can only poke wide of the post. Valencia was asleep there!
Sandro blazes a low strike across the face of goal as Barca continue to threaten here.
CHANCE! Barcelona again come close as Rakitic meets a low cross from Sandro, but McNair manages to make a block. Valencia has been caught out on a number of occasions in the last few minutes!
Manchester United have just managed to regain a period of control in the last couple of minutes after a long spell of Barcelona possession. Little under five minutes remaining and it is still 2-0 United.
Rakitic goes for goal after finding space outside the box, but Johnstone makes the save.
Johnstone is again called into action to deny Rakitic as Barcelona dominate.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-2 Man United (Rafinha)
Barcelona get their name on the scoresheet as Rafinha shows wonderful technique to volley one into the bottom corner. In truth, the Spanish side deserve to be on the scoresheet in this game.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-3 Man United (Januzaj)
WOW! Man United go straight down the other end and score a third as Januzaj puts Bartra on his bum before finishing into the bottom corner. What a finish to this match!
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 1-3 Man United
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close in Calfornia with Manchester United running out 3-1 winners against the European champions Barcelona. The Spanish side might feel that they deserved more from the match, but United were clinical in the final third. It was a really enjoyable game of football between two excellent teams. The supporters certainly got their moneys worth!
Looking forward - United are back in action against PSG on Thursday morning (early hours UK time). Barcelona, meanwhile, will face Premier League champions Chelsea on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning depending on where you are based! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
