On Thursday night, in the United States, there was a friendly clash between Arsenal, the second-placed team in the Premier League last season, and FC Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions. In a spectacular match, the Gunners swept aside the Blaugranas with a score of 5-3.
It was, however, Xavi’s men who struck first, with Robert Lewandowski capitalizing on a rebounded shot from Raphinha (1-0, 7th minute). Shortly after, Bukayo Saka took advantage of a defensive error by Andreas Christensen to equalize for Arsenal (1-1, 13th minute).
The first half of the match was particularly lively, as evidenced by Saka missing a penalty just after equalizing (22nd minute), and Raphinha scoring again to give the lead back to the Culers (34th minute). Kai Havertz, recently transferred from Chelsea, eventually leveled the score for both teams just before halftime (43rd minute).
In the second half, the teammates of Ilkay Gündogan and Oriol Romeu, who were making their debuts for Barcelona, eventually collapsed. Arsenal’s striker Leandro Trossard scored a brace (55th, 78th minute) to put an end to any suspense in the match. Ferran Torres tried to revive the Catalans in the dying moments of the game (88th minute), but Fabio Vieira sealed Barcelona’s fate with a powerful strike in the 89th minute.
The Gunners secured a prestigious victory. However, the real challenge will begin for Mikel Arteta’s men on August 6th in the Community Shield. They will face Manchester City in what will be the first official match of the season. As for Barcelona, in their second friendly match, they will take on their eternal Madrid rival next Saturday, still in the United States.
