ARSENAL are now live continuing their pre-season US tour in a mouthwatering fixture against Spanish champions Barcelona.
It was a blistering start at SoFi Stadium, where Robert Lewandowski and the Spanish side scored within the first 10 minutes. But just five minutes later, Arsenal equalized behind a Bukayo Saka finish.
Later in the half though, Saka bottled a penalty, putting the effort wide. Barcelona would then capitalize off a free-kick, where Raphinha’s shot would be deflected into the net.
The Gunners still wouldn’t give up, with Kai Havertz leveling play yet again.
Last match, The Gunners lost twice in one night to bitter Premier League rivals Manchester United.
They’ll hope to bounce back against the Catalonian giants who recently had to fight off a virus outbreak in the camp.
- Kick-off time: 3.30am BST
- Live stream: Arsenal.com
- Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus.
- Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Dest, Araujo, Pedri, Lewandowski, Gundogan, Christensen, Ez Abde, Marcos A., Oriol Romeu, Raphinha.
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Follow ALL the action from SoFi Stadium with our live blog below…
Scenes from SoFi
Here are some scenes from SoFi Stadium in California.
Barcelona are wearing white kits for the first time in 44 yearsCredit: EPA Arsenal are level at the break despite falling behind twiceCredit: EPA Xavi is not entirely pleased with his defenseCredit: AFP Halftime: Barcelona 2 Arsenal 2
Arsenal and Barcelona head into the half tied at two a piece.
Saka and Havertz scored for the English side, while Lewandowski and Raphinha powered shots in for Barcelona.
The Gunners have been able to respond to everything the Spanish side has thrown at them.
It’s been a fantastic first half of soccer from SoFi.
45 more minutes coming up after half.
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 2
42. Off a brilliant cross, it’s headed directly to Kai Havertz’s boot into the back of the net.
What a response, yet again, from Arsenal.
ARSENAL EQUAL AGAIN!!!
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 1
40. Arsenal are throwing men forward in search of their second.
The intensity has certainly picked up.
Both teams have been fairly physical for a pre-season match, as well.
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 1
34. Barcelona regain the lead off a set-piece deflection!
Raphinha took the free-kick and will get credit for the goal.
BARCA BACK IN FRONT!!
Barcelona 1 Arsenal 1
28. The announcers have brought up the pitch condition multiple times.
Before the game, staff went out to monitor the field.
SoFi Stadium will be in use for the World Cup in 2026.
Barcelona 1 Arsenal 1
23. Both teams are taking a hydration break.
It’s a hot one in California.
Barcelona 1 Arsenal 1
20. Off a handball from Barcelona, Arsenal picked up a penalty.
Unfortunately for The Gunners, Saka missed the target.
What a missed opportunity for Arsenal.
PENALTY FOR ARSENAL!!!
Barcelona 1 Arsenal 1
17. Barcelona hasn’t been able to use the entire width of the pitch just yet.
Arsenal has been able to generate some fantastic chances the last few minutes.
It’s been a fast start for both sides.
Barcelona 1 Arsenal 1
12. Bukayo Saka picked up the ball and slotted it home for the Gunners!
What a response from Arsenal!
Barcelona held the lead for less than five minutes.
GUNNERS GOAL!!!!!
Barcelona 1 Arsenal 0
7. The ball bounced beautifully to Lewandowski for Barca’s first goal of the night!
After a great cross, the first shot was saved, but the star striker followed up the effort with the easy put-back.
Great start for the Spanish side.
GOALLL!!!! BARCA!!!!
Barcelona 0 Arsenal 0
4. Not much has happened, but the crowd has been raucous.
There’s been some great attendance for these pre-season matches so far in the United States.
Barcelona 0 Arsenal 0
2. A quick free kick for Arsenal.
They’ll have a set piece about 35 yards from Barcelona’s goal.
The Gunners will have the first real chance of the night.
Kick-off: Barcelona 0 Arsenal 0
The game is finally underway!
After a slight delay, the game has now kicked off.
Taking the field
Both teams are now taking the field.
Barcelona are wearing their brand new white kits.
Grass issues
There are problems with the pitch for tonight’s match, causing a delay in the game.
Kick-off delay
The opening kick is now pushed back until 11pm ET.
Real Madrid and Manchester United just ended, pushing back this match’s start time.
Barcelona Arsenal coming up next
Barcelona and Arsenal is coming up next!
We’re just minutes away from the opening kick.
Arsenal recent form
Arsenal lost their first pre-season game against Manchester United, who played Real Madrid earlier tonight.
The Gunners were shutout, but the game went to penalties just for practice.
Arsenal also dropped the pens.
Tonight manager Mikel Arteta will hope to right the ship and lead Arsenal to their first pre-season victory.
It should be a tightly contested match between the English and Spanish clubs.
Barcelona recent form
Tonight will be Barcelona’s first game of their United States pre-season tour.
Originally the Catalans were scheduled to kick off their tour with a match against Serie A giants Juventus, but the game was canceled after a virus spread through the Italian club’s locker room.
This will be Barcelona’s first game since June 6, when they handled Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
Expect Arsenal to be more competitive than their last opponent.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
