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Less than 48 hours after their last LaLiga match of the year, Barcelona played in a friendly against Club America, losing to the Mexican side
Reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona were humbled in a sensational friendly clash at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas by newly crowned Liga MX champions Club America, who emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over the Blaugrana in the early hours of Friday.
Yamal and Guiu give Barcelona hope
Barcelona, arriving in Dallas just a day after their 3-2 triumph over Almería in Spain, fielded an alternate roster featuring six teenagers, three of whom were making their debuts. The Spanish giants took an early lead as 16-year-old Lamine Yamal showcased his prowess, picking up the ball in midfield, racing upfield, and beating America goalkeeper Angel Malagon to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
Club América swiftly responded with a 12th-minute equaliser from Colombia-born Mexico international Julian Quinones. The winger, receiving a pass from United States midfielder Alejandro Zendejas, backheeled the ball into the net, levelling the score at 1-1.
Despite the pace slowing down as both teams felt the effects of recent matches, Barcelona reclaimed the lead with a 28th-minute goal from 17-year-old Marc Guiu.
The youngster connected well with full-back and fellow academy product Hector Fort, sliding to meet a low cross and finding the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Barcelona lose to spirited Club America come back
Shortly after the break, Quinones once again proved to be a thorn in Barcelona's side. Winning a duel with defender Pau Cubarsí in Barcelona's defensive third, the winger beat 19-year-old goalkeeper Ander Astralaga to make it 2-2.
In a second half filled with numerous substitutions from both teams, America secured the lead for good with an 82nd-minute goal from striker Henry Martín, who had come on in the 62nd minute.
Despite a spirited effort from Barcelona, which saw key figures like João Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski come off the bench, America held on for the win at the final whistle.
Club América's victory added to their recent success, having extended their Liga MX record tally of championships to 14 by defeating Tigres 4-1 on aggregate in a two-legged final last Sunday. Barcelona now enters their winter break, reflecting on this challenging encounter and preparing to resume LaLiga action against Las Palmas on January 4.
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