In a classic encounter of the reigning Spanish and English champions, Barcelona emerged 4-2 triumphant over Leicester City at the 2016 International Champions Cup match in Stockholm.
A double from Munir El Haddadi on either side of an amazing solo goal from Luis Suarez put the Catalan behemoths in a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time but summer acquisition Ahmed Musa struck twice, post the interval to reduce the arrears as the Foxes then pushed for an equaliser.
With just a few seconds remaining on the clock, Barcelona, however, had the last laugh as teenager Rafa Mujica hammered home to wrap up a convincing 4-2 win. Let’s delve into some of the talking points of the game.
1) Munir can be a great back-up to the ‘MSN’
When Barcelona endured a slump in form towards the tail end of last season, there were heavy clamours for a backup striker as Messi, Neymar and Suarez all misfired during that period. A support option for the ‘MSN’ was thought to be the foremost thing on Barca’s transfer plans this summer, but they haven’t signed anyone for this role.
With purported targets Nolito, Luciano Vietto and Kevin Gamiero all sneaked away from their grasps, the Catalan outfit were left somewhat ashen-faced. However, after tonight’s game, it’s fair to say that the Spanish champions need to look nowhere else but within their own reserves.
Munir El Haddadi has made a very strong statement with his double against Leicester, and Luis Enrique must surely be having second thoughts about spending in the market. The Spanish-Moroccan was used sparingly last season, but on this form, can be a great aid to the all-South American attacking troika.
2) Messi has put all his travails behind him
It had been a dreadful last two months or so for Lionel Messi. Not only was the Barcelona ace denied an international title for the third year in a row when Argentina lost out to Chile on penalties, but the heartbreak provoked him into an international retirement, sending shockwaves across the globe. And to pile the misery further, the 29-year-old was then slapped with a suspended jail term for his tax evasion scandal, besmirching his image.
Despite all the havoc, Messi continued to weave his magic on the field as the Barca no.10 put on another spellbinding show to steer the Spanish champions to a resounding victory.
The skipper set up Munir for the opener with a superb pass, before laying off with a similarly precise long-range for Suarez. Messi then triggered from the deep as he embarked on a run that culminated in Barca’s third goal, rounding off a prolific first-half. Although his influence waned in the closing half of the game, it was still a highly commendable performance by the Ballon d’Or holder, indicating all the recent travails are well and truly behind him.
3) Musa gives Leicester fans plenty of reasons to be excited ahead of the new season
Winning the Premier League was something historical for Leicester City, but defending it in the upcoming campaign would be a bigger fairytale. The Foxes are aware of that, and hence, haven't been hesitant in being actively involved in the summer transfer market.
So far, five players have been signed, but only one has got the chance to strut his stuff on the field and he has already impressed with his showings. Ahmed Musa has probably announced himself with a nonchalant brace against Barcelona, giving a glimpse of what’s in store for the fans when the season opens.
The Nigerian international came off the bench in the second-half and struck twice as Leicester City closed the gap. Musa got on the scoresheet in stunning fashion as he bamboozled both Jeremy Mathieu and Sergi Roberto to score, before thumping home his second in equally brilliant style.
Roped in from CSKA Moscow for a paltry £16.6 million, the 23-year-old made a meal of the defensive blunders and also caused Barca all sorts of problems with his buccaneering runs. With the 2016-17 Premier League season just over a week away, Musa has already sent an ominous message to the teams.
4) Marlon Santos can be a better option than Vermaelen
With several first-team regulars still out on a vacation, Barcelona honcho Luis Enrique has handed opportunities several youngsters during this pre-season tour. Marlon Santos was one of the latest academy graduates to get on the floor, and the Brazilian did impress.
After a convincing performance in the 3-1 win over Celtic, Santos started in the defence as a centre-back and once again stepped up to the plate. The 20-year-old was composed on the ball and solid at the back, keeping the Leicester forwards at arm's length. His substitution at the break took the resolve off Barca’s backline as they looked porous and Musa mercilessly punished them for the same.
Marlon Santos’ performance is something of Enrique to take note, as the Spaniard can contemplate on using him as a back-up in the defence over the perennially injured Thomas Vermaelen.
5) Leicester City have got a taste of Champions League through this ICC tour
Come next month, and Premier League champions Leicester City will partake in Europe’s biggest club competition, the Champions League, for the very first time in their history. They’ll be stepping into uncharted waters, but the 2016 International Champions Cup has been nothing but a learning curve.
Games against European giants Paris St.Germain and Barcelona have given them an idea about the competitiveness of the competition and also the type of teams they will be facing. They may have lost against both, but have learnt some valuable lessons which can come handy in the tournament proper.
