Author: Barkha Roy
AC Milan 0-1 Barcelona
The Spanish giants displayed their trademark attacking prowess and ingenuity, which was too much for the Italian club. Throughout the match, Barcelona’s full-backs Raphinha and EZ Abde showed their relentless desire to attack, causing constant problems for Milan’s defense, especially in the first half. However, it was the entry of 20-year-old sensation Ansu Fati and left-back Alejandro Balde in the second half that turned the tide of the game in Barcelona’s favor.
Ansu Fati’s shining moment came in the 55th minute when he combined brilliantly with Balde, who was a constant threat down the left flank. With impeccable precision and finesse, Fati unleashed a sensational shot into the top corner, giving the Milan goalkeeper no chance of saving it. The goal was proof of the young star’s immense talent and the team’s commitment to attacking soccer.
Liverpool 3-4 Bayern Munich
Liverpool’s unbeaten run in pre-season came to an end with a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich. Liverpool started well in Singapore, with Cody Gakpo scoring just two minutes in after a clever exchange with Diogo Jota, followed by Virgil van Dijk’s header from a corner. However, Bayern recovered before the break, with Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane leveling the score.
In the second half, Luiz Diaz took Liverpool back into the lead with a good finish after a pass from Mohamed Salah. But their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed again when Josip Stanisic took advantage of a rebound from Alisson and equalized for Bayern. When the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Frans Kratzig produced a stunning strike in injury time that found the top corner, leaving Alisson stunned and securing a dramatic victory for Bayern Munich.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had few chances to prevent any of the first-half goals, but performed admirably whenever called upon. Unfortunately, he only managed to save De Ligt’s header, which led to Stanisic’s goal, and was convincingly beaten by the winner.
Juventus 3-1 Real Madrid
In a thrilling club friendly, Juventus FC beat Real Madrid CF 3-1 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on August 3, 2023.
Juventus wasted no time in taking the lead, with Moise Kean scoring in the first minute to put his side 1-0 ahead. The Italian striker’s quick goal set the tone for an action-packed match.
Timothy Weah doubled Juventus’ lead in the 20th minute with a well-taken goal, assisted by Weston McKennie. Real Madrid reacted, and Vinícius Júnior managed to pull one back for his team in the 38th minute, thanks to a pass from Toni Kroos, making the score 2-1 in Juventus’ favor at the break.
In the second half, both teams were intent on attacking, with Juventus determined to maintain their lead and Real Madrid looking for an equalizer. However, it was Dusan Vlahović who had the final say in the match. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, the Serbian striker sealed Juventus’ victory with a goal, assisted by Matías Soulé, to secure the 3-1 win.