Pau Victor propels Barcelona's youthful squad to Clasico glory
As the European soccer season looms, club teams across the globe are gearing up for another demanding season.
Amid these preparations, a friendly yet fiercely competitive El Clasico unfolded between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Held in New Jersey, the match showcased Barcelona’s unbeaten preseason streak as they secured a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals.
The highly anticipated match began with the Catalans exhibiting a strong, assertive performance.
Within the first five minutes, a header from Pau Victor demanded a spectacular save from Real Madrid‘s Thibaut Courtois.
Barcelona, under new coach Hansi Flick, demonstrated the same hunger and intensity they had shown in their previous match against Manchester City.
However, the game was abruptly interrupted by a 70-minute weather delay, turning the pitch heavy and dampening Barcelona’s early momentum.
When play resumed, Los Blancos took control, dominating possession and winning the midfield battle. Arda Guler even found the back of the net for Madrid, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Despite Madrid’s dominance, Barcelona’s young talents like Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Pablo Torre gradually began to assert themselves. Full-backs Alejandro Balde and Alex Valle became more threatening, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s attacking plays.
Their efforts culminated in the 42nd minute when Valle delivered a perfect cross to Robert Lewandowski. The latter’s miskick fortuitously fell to Pau Victor, allowing him to head the ball into the net.
This goal marked his second in two games, giving his side a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Barcelona’s second-half brilliance
The halftime break was truncated due to the earlier delay, with Barcelona looking to maintain their end-of-first-half momentum.
The team continued to press high and create opportunities. Pau Victor, in particular, forced another outstanding save from Courtois with a powerful long-range shot.
Barcelona’s superiority was evident early in the second half. An excellent pass from Lewandowski found Valle, who delivered an audacious cross with the outside of his left foot to the 22-year-old. Positioned perfectly, he tapped in his second goal of the night, further solidifying Barcelona’s lead.
Real Madrid attempted a comeback with the introduction of Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian winger made immediate impacts, testing Barcelona’s defense and forcing crucial saves from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Despite Vinícius’ efforts and Madrid’s increased pressure, Barcelona’s defense, bolstered by Flick’s strategic substitutions, held firm.
Madrid’s persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Nico Paz headed in a corner from Guler; creating a tense final stretch of the match. Despite Madrid’s desperate attempts to equalize, Barcelona’s defense remained resilient, ensuring a 2-1 victory.
Young stars shine
The standout performer of the night was undoubtedly Pau Victor. His two goals not only highlighted his scoring prowess but also his potential to be a key player in Flick’s squad.
Victor’s preseason performances, including three goals and two man-of-the-match accolades, have bolstered his case for a regular spot in the first team.
Other young players, such as Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Sergi Dominguez, also impressed with their composure and maturity; showcasing the Blaugrana’s promising future.
Their ability to thrive under pressure and contribute effectively against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid bodes well for the upcoming season.
On the Real Madrid side, Vinicius stood out despite not starting the match. His relentless attacking runs and attempts to break through Barcelona’s defense underscored his importance to the team. The Brazilian’s dynamic play and leadership on the field were bright spots in an otherwise challenging match for Madrid. The Whites, still adjusting without some of their star players and new signings like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, will look to regroup and refine their strategies before the La Liga season begins.
Both teams will conclude their US tours with Barcelona facing AC Milan in Baltimore and Real Madrid taking on Chelsea in Charlotte. With the new La Liga campaign just weeks away, fans eagerly anticipate how these preseason performances will translate into the competitive arena.
Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire