Barca News
Arsenal beat Barcelona 5-3 in a very entertaining game in Los Angeles. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka hit back with a quick goal to make it 1-1, then the same player missed a penalty shortly thereafter.
Rafinha then regained the lead for the Blaugrana through a free kick before Kai Havertz equalized again just before halftime. Leandro Trossard’s brace after the break gave the North London side a 4-2 advantage as Ferran Torres’ late goal proved to be just a consolation when Fabio Vieira finished off the scoring in the 89th minute.
It was a very physical match, something Barcelona boss Xavi admitted he told Arteta he wasn’t a fan of. And the Spanish coach said in his press conference after the match: “I told Mikel at the end of the match that it was as if we were playing a Champions League match because the strength they presented was not normal in a friendly match.”
He added, “But I understand that everyone wants to win. This was our first game and after we went through a virus.”
But Arteta did not apologize for the violent style of his team, as he supported his players for the strength they showed. “At the end of the day, football belongs to the players,” he said regarding Xavi’s comments.
He added, “We are playing in front of 70,000 people, and as soon as the match begins, they rebel against the coaches’ instructions and do whatever they want. And as soon as the first mistake is made, they will start playing aggressively.”
