Barcelona survived a mighty scare to return from behind to say a 3-2 pleasant victory towards the A-League All Stars at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
In entrance of 70,174 followers — principally of Barcelona persuasion — the Dwight Yorke-coached All Stars claimed an unlikely 2-1 lead within the second half earlier than being pegged again twice within the closing 20 minutes on Wednesday.
The number of the A-League’s greatest, who have been enjoying their first recreation since 2014, gave a superb account of themselves with departing Wellington winger Reno Piscopo a standout after contributing a purpose and help within the defeat.
In equity to the All Stars, this was no second-rate Barcelona facet given 5 of Xavi’s beginning XI included gamers who started Sunday’s loss to Villarreal.
Amongst them have been veteran Dani Alves and Sergio Busquets, who instantly flexed their muscle mass when Alejandro Balde pressured Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto into motion within the first 5 minutes.
Brisbane’s Jay O’Shea and Socceroos hopeful Jason Cummings each had possibilities to place the All Stars forward however neither might end previous Marc-André ter Stegen.
Barca dominated however couldn’t penetrate within the opening half an hour to the extent followers broke out into spontaneous renditions of the Mexican wave to maintain their minds occupied.
Focus slipped momentarily for the All Stars when Central Coast defender Kye Rowles was crushed by Busquets and inside three passes Ousmane Dembélé registered the sport’s opening purpose.
It was the same story two minutes after half-time, however this time it was the All Stars who have been the beneficiaries.
Newcastle’s Daniel Penha performed a bending ball behind the again of the Barca defence for Anthony Caceres to latch onto and whereas his shot was saved by substitute goalkeeper Aranau Tenas, an onrushing Piscopo was in a position to poke residence.
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The All Stars saved their foot on the throat with a second purpose coming in related vogue six minutes later.
This time Piscopo was performed in and he squared to Western Sydney’s Adama Traoré to provide Yorke’s facet an unlikely 2-1 lead.
Central Coast teenager Garang Kuol practically made it three when performed in however misfired.
That will show to be the downfall of Yorke’s facet with substitute All Stars keeper Andrew Redmayne unable to maintain out Barcelona’s personal Adam Traoré, who drew Barca degree with 20 minutes left.
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The strike appeared to spark Barca into gear they usually have been forward when wonderkid Ansu Fati cushioned the ball previous Redmayne from shut vary.
Kuol hit the bar within the closing minutes however the All Stars couldn’t discover the equaliser.
AAP
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