The scoreline was flattering, according to Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez.
In a highly contested friendly encounter on Saturday, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-0 thanks to early goals from Ousmane Dembele and late goals from Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad suffered a harsh outcome after having five attempts at the woodwork and numerous opportunities. The difference, however, was made by Barcelona, the champions of Spain, who finished more expertly. Despite being a preseason warm-up, the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium, AT&T Stadium, was crowded when the game took place there.
When Oriel Romeu rocked the Real crossbar with a powerful effort in the fourth minute, the crowd immediately stood to their feet, but Barca soon had their supporters jubilant.
Following a well executed free-kick, Pedri slid a diagonal pass into Dembele’s path, who expertly blasted the ball into the far corner.
Only five minutes later, Real had a fantastic opportunity to tie the game when Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo handled the ball in the box, but Vinicius Junior smacked the penalty against the crossbar.
Rodrygo then pushed Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the Barcelona custodian, into a superb full-length save with a free-kick that was soaring towards the top corner.
Vinicius’ shot against the crossbar and Jude Bellingham’s header off the post by the midfielder, who outjumped ter Stegen, prevented Real from scoring once more.
Dembele had a chance at the other end when Ferland Mendy’s error enabled him to get through on goal, but Thibaut Courtois stopped the French forward’s weak shot with ease.
Halftime likely came as a comfort to American referee Allen Chapman when tempers rose following a sliding challenge from behind by Frenkie de Jong on Eder Militao, with players from both teams scuffling on the halfway line.
After the break, Aurelien Tchouameni fired against the crossbar while Vinicius continued tormenting Real from the left by firing from a tight angle.
Despite numerous substitutes, neither team eased up, but Barcelona’s finishing was the difference as replacement Fermin Lopez made it 2-0 in the 85th minute with a spectacular shot from outside the box after being set up by Sergi Roberto.
Vinicius miraculously hit the crossbar twice with his drive from a tight angle after a jinking run in from the left, giving Barca the victory in stoppage time.
Ferran Torres sprinted onto a lofted pass from Lopez, raised the ball over Courtois as he approached, then turned and slid the ball into the open net with good awareness and balance.
