On Tuesday, new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick celebrated a successful debut as his team secured a penalty shootout victory over Manchester City after a 2-2 draw in their pre-season friendly in Orlando.


The match, part of Barcelona’s US tour, saw 16-year-old Toni Fernandez, who joined the club earlier this month, score the decisive penalty. Fernandez’s left-footed shot beat Manchester City’s reserve goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, securing a 4-1 win on penalties for the German manager’s side.

Barcelona faced the reigning Premier League champions, led by former Barcelona player and coach Pep Guardiola, in front of a sellout crowd of 63,237. Although a storm delayed the start by 80 minutes, the spectators were eventually treated to a fast-paced game that saw ample playing time for reserve players.


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Barcelona took an early lead in the penalty shootout with Alejandro Balde scoring a left-footed goal. Despite Amar Ahmed’s penalty keeping Manchester City in the game by beating Barcelona’s reserve goalkeeper Ander Astralaga, Fernandez’s heroics sealed the victory.

In open play, Pau Victor scored for Barcelona in the 24th minute, converting a quick pass from Marc Casado with a right-footed shot. Manchester City’s Nico O'Riley equalized in the 39th minute with a left-footed shot from a pass by Croatian international Josko Gvardiol, who was making his first appearance on the US tour.

Barcelona regained the lead with Pablo Torre’s goal in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder received a pass from Gerard Martin, maneuvered the ball to his right, and fired a right-footed shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.


Manchester City’s Jack Grealish equalized in the 60th minute with a well-executed fast break. Croatian international Mateo Kovacic, making his first start on the US tour, advanced the ball and passed to Grealish, who finished with a superb left-footed shot from a challenging angle.

Barcelona will continue their US tour with upcoming pre-season matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan, while Manchester City, having previously lost to Celtic and AC Milan, will conclude their US tour with a match against Chelsea on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.