Pau Victor Shines as Barcelona Triumphs Over Real Madrid in Storm-Interrupted El Clasico
Barcelona's forward Pau Victor stole the spotlight, scoring twice to lead his team to a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals and La Liga champions Real Madrid in a thrilling friendly match held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Real Madrid were notably without key players Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, who missed the US tour due to their participation in the European Championship in Germany earlier this summer.
The first El Clasico of the season faced an unexpected challenge when a heavy storm forced a 12-minute pause. After a delay of over an hour, the match resumed, and Barcelona seized the momentum just before half-time. Victor, 22, headed in a precise ball from Robert Lewandowski, putting Barcelona ahead.
Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save from Lewandowski shortly after, but Victor struck again early in the second half to extend Barcelona's lead, showcasing his poise and precision.
Real Madrid's late efforts saw Nico Paz head home a goal, but Barcelona's defense held strong, securing the victory for Hansi Flick's side.
Victor's brace brings his tally to three goals in Barcelona's two US tour games, following his earlier strike in a 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Manchester City.
Key Highlights:
- Pau Victor's Stellar Performance: The young forward's two goals were pivotal in Barcelona's win, highlighting his emerging talent.
- Storm Delay: The match faced a significant interruption due to a heavy storm, causing a delay of over an hour.
- Absent Stars: Real Madrid missed the presence of key players Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, who were absent from the tour.
- Resilient Defense: Despite a late goal from Real Madrid's Nico Paz, Barcelona's defense remained resilient, ensuring the victory.
This pre-season win against their fierce rivals sets a positive tone for Barcelona as they prepare for the upcoming season. Pau Victor's impressive form is a promising sign for the Catalan giants, who will be eager to build on this momentum.
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