Barcelona claimed Clasico bragging rights over Actual Madrid as two objectives from Pau Victor powered them to a 2-1 victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Either side had been lacking a few of their largest stars however an entertaining encounter nonetheless ensued with the likes of Luka Modric, Robert Lewandowski and Endrick all in motion.
The 2 Spanish giants are dreaming of La Liga glory within the upcoming 2024/25 season, however what did we study from this ‘pleasant’ encounter over in the US?
Barca teen Victor is taking his possibilities the place Vitor Roque has been unable to to this point.
The 22-year-old got here up with two objectives to swing the Clasico in his facet’s favour, firstly nodding in from shut vary after Robert Lewandowski’s contact from a cross earlier than prodding in a second. Each strikes had been medical tap-ins however supervisor Hansi Flick will not be capable to ignore him after his performances in the summertime friendlies, having additionally struck towards Manchester Metropolis.
Talking post-match, Flick stated: “We are going to see what occurs to Pau Victor. Two video games, three objectives…not dangerous. The door to the primary crew is at all times open.”
Actual Madrid’s beginning lineup within the UEFA Tremendous Cup towards Atalanta ought to look a good bit totally different to the XI that slipped to defeat at MetLife Stadium.
It was nonetheless a crew stuffed with acquainted faces together with Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger and Luka Modric, whereas Vinicius Junior confirmed his class along with his first summer season look from the bench, however the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal had been all nonetheless absent after their worldwide excursions.
It was an excellent sufficient fixture with possession cut up down the center and 11 pictures for either side, however Nico Paz’s strike proved to be little greater than a comfort late on.
Whereas Mbappe nonetheless has to attend for his first style of El Clasico, Brazilian prodigy Endrick encountered the fixture’s hostility as he began in assault alongside Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz.
{The teenager} was given some tough remedy by defender Antonio Rudiger in coaching just lately however the powerful love is but to reap its rewards on the pitch. He accomplished 11 of solely 12 passes and could not hit the goal with both of his two pictures earlier than coming off within the 68th minute.
Endrick will doubtless develop into a bench participant in his first full season at Madrid and can be capable to study from extra skilled attackers within the squad, however he seemed a little bit out of his depth in his first Clasico.
Barca are recognized to be prepared to promote just about most of their gamers this summer season to generate funds for incoming arrivals.
Brazilian winger Raphinha has been constantly linked with an exit through the summer season switch window, whereas Ilkay Gundogan has additionally been the topic of reported curiosity from the Center East.
Neither are regarded as significantly eager on leaving Catalonia this yr and every made their first appearances of pre-season over the weekend, approaching as substitutes to spice up the choices at supervisor Flick’s disposal.
