De Jong, Haaland Shines As Man City And Barcelona Charity Match Ends In A 6-Goal Thriller.

Barcelona and Manchester City played out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw at Spotify Camp Nou in a mid-season charity match to support the research into ALS, a condition that ex-Barça goalkeeper and coach, Juan Carlos Unzue, suffers from.

In a thrilling exhibition match at the Camp Nou, City pulled even in extra time to draw Barcelona 3-3.

The hosts responded with a goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the Blues' Julian Alvarez put them in front with a goal from Frenkie de Jong.

Late goals from Memphis Depay and Riyad Mahrez gave the 92,062 spectators their money's worth in this well-known charity event after Cole Palmer had earlier pulled Barcelona ahead.

First, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a close-range opportunity that he missed, and then Kessie's powerful run came to an end as his shot hit the outside of the right post.

The blues then scored practically right away.

It was a costly error because the home team equalized three minutes later when Aubameyang volleyed a low shot past Ortega Moreno's near post from a Raphina free-kick.

Josh Wilson-Esbrand, a substitute, had a good run early in the second half for City, and Alvarez was twice stopped by Pena in quick succession.

It was the first time that Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola go head-to-head as coaches.

Just before the hour mark, Kalvin Phillips caused anxiety when he was forced to leave the match after appearing to hurt his shoulder during a challenge.

On 67 minutes, Frenkie de Jong scored the opening goal for Barca after Kevin De Bruyne's pass was intercepted on the edge of the City box. Ortega Moreno had initially made a good save.

Erling Haaland appeared to have had his ankle clipped as he sprinted into the area in extra time, and the referee called for a penalty.

On a night where a tremendous amount of money was generated for the Luzon Foundation and research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), highlighted by former Barcelona goalkeeper Juan Carlos Unzue who was diagnosed with ALS in 2020, Mahrez slammed the ball into the top right corner to make it 3-3.

Juan Carlos Unzué thanked both FC Barcelona and Manchester City for making this charity match possible and also the fans for coming in early and supporting the cause.

 

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🎥 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Barça 3-3 Manchester City
The fight against ALS won tonight 💚 pic.twitter.com/9bv34O4Kjl

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 25, 2022