Washington: Neymar, serene amid a frenzy of transfer speculation, scored the first half goal that gave Barcelona a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United while Manchester City thrashed Real Madrid 4-1 in their International Champions Cup friendly matches, Wednesday.
The Brazilian striker, reportedly pondering a 222-million euro ($256.8 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain, showed why the French club would be willing to pay a world record price to get him. He delivered his third goal in two matches in the exhibition tournament.
After a bright start Manchester United struggled to contain Barcelona’s star duo of Neymar and Lionel Messi. Neymar broke through in the 31st, stripping the ball from Antonio Valencia in the penalty area, turning and finding the net. The goal proved enough to give a second straight victory to new Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.
Later on the day, Manchester City who has spent big to bolster their defence this summer, showed they will be a force to reckon with at the other end this season.
A second half blitz at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum saw City secure their first pre-season victory in style.
Real were unable to contain Pep Guardiola’s side once they got their noses in front early in the second half when Nicolas Otamendi smashed the ball into the net in the 52nd minute.
Until that point, Real had been the more dangerous side in an end-to-end encounter, with Isco, in particular, causing City’s back five problems with his range of passing.
Raheem Sterling then calmly tucked away a lovely through-ball from the impressive Kevin de Bruyne. The advantage was then extended to three through John Stones.
But the icing on the cake arrived for Guardiola’s side in the final 10 minutes, when 17-year-old Spaniard Brahim Diaz cut inside off the right and curled a beauty into the top corner from the edge of the area.
Real grabbed a late consolation when Oscar Rodriguez produced a stunning effort from 30 yards which soared into the top corner.
