Barcelona Steal the Show in Thrilling El Clásico Victory over Real Madrid
Barcelona came out on top in a pulsating U.S. preseason installment of El Clásico, defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Blaugrana got the win thanks to two brilliant goals from 22-year-old sensation Pau Victor.
The match got off to a delayed start due to a lightning storm in the area, causing players to retreat to the locker rooms after just 11 minutes of play in the first half. When they returned to the pitch, Victor made the most of his return, continuing his impressive preseason run.
The young forward was clinical in his finishing, scoring in the 42nd minute and again just after the break. Victor’s goals came courtesy of impressive crosses from Álex Valle, who provided the perfect delivery from the right wing.
Real Madrid did find a way back into the contest with 8 minutes remaining, as Nico Paz headed in a corner from Arda Güler. However, Barcelona held firm to make it four wins from four in El Clásico matches played on U.S. soil. The win sends a strong message ahead of the upcoming LaLiga season, with Barcelona looking to dethrone Spanish and European champions Real Madrid.
A number of star names were missing for both teams, with Barcelona absentees including Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Ronald Araújo, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Ansu Fati due to injuries. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are still waiting for the first appearance in a Los Blancos jersey of Kylian Mbappé, with England star Jude Bellingham also absent from the tour.
Both teams wrap up their U.S. tours this Friday, with Barcelona facing AC Milan in Baltimore and Real Madrid taking on Chelsea in Charlotte. The LaLiga season gets underway in two weeks’ time.