Barcelona had to come from behind to beat the A-League All Stars 3-2 at Stadium Australia on Wednesday night.
The A-League All Stars took an unlikely 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Reno Piscopo and Adama Traore, before the Spanish giants found another gear.
Strikes from Adama Traore and Ansu Fati restored the visitors’ lead in what was an entertaining match played in front of 70,174 fans.
The All Stars, managed by Manchester United legend and new Macarthur FC boss Dwight Yorke, were unable to find an equaliser late on despite the best efforts from Central Coast teenager Garang Kuol.
Kuol came within inches from scoring after a mazy solo run, before rattling the post in the 88th minute.
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Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez had some high praise for 17-year-old attacker post-game.
“He did really well. He created many chances, almost scored,” Xavi told Channel 10.
“Unbelievable. All the best to him.”
Big-name quartet Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Ousmane Dembele and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all started for Barcelona.
Melbourne City and Western United face off in this season’s A-League Grand Final at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
KUOL ALMOST AGAIN!!!
— 10 Football (@10FootballAU) May 25, 2022
He rattles the woodwork this time!#AASvFCB #BarcaInSydney pic.twitter.com/58KHu3jAHU
GARANG KUOL SO CLOSE!!
— 10 Football (@10FootballAU) May 25, 2022
The youngster almost completed his amazing run through the middle with a goal! #AASvFCB #BarcaInSydney pic.twitter.com/hfxBejGbTo