In a thrilling “friendly” match between two of the best soccer teams on the globe, Manchester United took home a 3-1 win over FC Barcelona at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 68,400 in the International Champions Cup.
Playing to a full stadium of fans in a sea of red (Manchester’s home jersey) and blue (Barcelona’s home jersey), the riveting, fast-paced game did not disappoint.
United captain Wayne Rooney’s header goal in the eighth minute of the first half of the match set the tone for the rest of the game, with Manchester dominating. Additional goals were made by substitutes Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj during the second half.
Barcelona didn’t get a point on the board until the 90th minute of the match by Rafinha.
The team was hindered by having to play without two of its biggest stars, Neymar and Lionel Messi, who are representing their home countries for Copa America.
The Red Devils wrapped up their U.S. summer tour against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday at Soldier Field in Chicago as they prepare for the English Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on Aug. 8.
Barcelona faced England’s Chelsea on Tuesday in Landover, Maryland. Chelsea won 4-2 on penalty kicks, after a 2-2 draw.
While Manchester United is 3-0 in the pre-season Champions Cup, with a 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium on July 22, the team is looking to rebound after two disappointing seasons in the English Premier League. Barcelona is coming off a rare triple crown with La Liga, national and European Champions League titles for the 2014-15 season.
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