By Pau Victor emerged as the hero for Barcelona, scoring twice to lead his team to a 3-1 victory over Spanish rivals and La Liga champions Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly held in the United States. The match took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first El Clasico of the season.
Real Madrid played without key international stars Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, as both players were away representing their national teams in the European Championship qualifiers in Germany. The absence of these pivotal players was felt as Real Madrid struggled to keep pace with Barcelona’s attack.
The game, part of both teams’ pre-season tour in the US, was initially halted after just 12 minutes due to a heavy storm. The delay lasted over an hour before play resumed, allowing fans to witness an intense and exciting matchup.
Barcelona took the lead shortly before halftime when 22-year-old forward Pau Victor expertly headed in a cross from Robert Lewandowski. This goal set the tone for the match, showcasing Barcelona’s attacking prowess.
Shortly after the break, Victor scored his second goal of the game, extending Barcelona’s lead and giving coach Hansi Flick’s side a comfortable advantage. Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save from a Lewandowski shot, but Victor was quick to capitalize on the rebound.
Real Madrid’s Nico Paz managed to pull one back with a late header, but Barcelona’s defense held strong, securing the victory for the Catalan giants.
Pau Victor’s performance was a standout, with his two goals adding to an already impressive pre-season record. He has now scored three goals in Barcelona’s two games during their US tour, having also found the net in a 2-2 draw with Premier League champions Manchester City earlier in the week.
Despite the loss, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti remained unfazed, stating that the primary goal of the pre-season matches was to provide players with game time and prepare for the upcoming season.
“The defeat was Real Madrid’s second of their US tour after losing 1-0 to AC Milan last week,” Ancelotti noted. “We’re focusing on our preparations, and the players are gradually coming back to the form we expect from them.”
Ancelotti emphasized that these matches are crucial for assessing player fitness and integrating new tactics. Real Madrid is set to face Premier League side Chelsea on August 6 in North Carolina, providing another opportunity for players to sharpen their skills.
As both teams continue their pre-season tours in the US, the focus remains on preparation and player development ahead of the upcoming competitive season. Barcelona’s victory over Real Madrid serves as a promising sign for the team as they look to build momentum and cohesion under new leadership.
