Barcelona's Neymar (second right) attempts to stop a fracas between Malaysia's Wan Zack Haikal (right) and Cesc Fabregas during the friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium. The Catalan giants won the match 3-1. - GLENN GUAN / The Star
SHAH ALAM: La Liga champions Barcelona played at half pace but still strolled to a 3-1 win over Malaysia in a friendly at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday.
The fans had came to see Lionel Messi in action. But the four-time World Player of the Year was rested due to an injury and the angry fans showed their displeasure by throwing T-shirts and caps on to the track.
Lionel Messi disappointed the fans by only sitting on the bench. - GLENN GUAN / The Star
To add to the fans’ frustration, they had to travel all the way to the Shah Alam Stadium following a last-minute switch in venue from the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. The National Stadium was deemed unplayable due to the poor conditions of the pitch.
The only cheer for the fans was they were able to see new Barca recruit Neymar in action. And the Brazilian entertained the crowd with his dazzling skills.
Malaysia were on the back foot in the opening stages. But they nearly went ahead in the 15th minute only to see striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha’s shot hit the left post.
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To add to the fans’ frustration, they had to travel all the way to the Shah Alam Stadium following a last-minute switch in venue from the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. The National Stadium was deemed unplayable due to the poor conditions of the pitch.
The only cheer for the fans was they were able to see new Barca recruit Neymar in action. And the Brazilian entertained the crowd with his dazzling skills.
Malaysia were on the back foot in the opening stages. But they nearly went ahead in the 15th minute only to see striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha’s shot hit the left post.
Neymar dazzled the crowd with his skills.
Despite their dominance, Barcelona were only able to go ahead after 35 minutes. Spain feftback Jordi Alba beat two defenders on the left before crossing the ball for midfielder Cesc Fabregas to head home.
But five minutes before half-time, Malaysia surprisingly scored the equaliser. After collecting a loose ball, Amri Yahyah blasted the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes. The 40,000 fans nearly brought the roof down with their deafening roar.
But Malaysia’s joy was shortlived as Barcelona regained the lead just two minutes later. This time, it was Neymar who scored after capitalising on a lapse in the Malaysian defence.
After the breather, Barcelona made seven substitutions. One of the significant changes was taking Neymar off and replacing him with Cristian Tello.
Malaysia, on the other hand, made five changes. The substitutions failed to make an impact and Malaysian did not even have a decent attempt at goal.
Barcelona had the chance to increase the lead in the 60th minute but Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta missed from close range.
They continued to pile on the pressure and finally managed to make it 3-1 in the 75th minute. Lanky defender Gerard Pique collected a pass from Alex Song before slamming the ball past substitute goalkeeper Farizal Marlias to win the CIMB Challenge Trophy.
Barca, who whipped Thailand in the other match on their tour of Asia, left for Spain after the match.
Despite their dominance, Barcelona were only able to go ahead after 35 minutes. Spain feftback Jordi Alba beat two defenders on the left before crossing the ball for midfielder Cesc Fabregas to head home.
But five minutes before half-time, Malaysia surprisingly scored the equaliser. After collecting a loose ball, Amri Yahyah blasted the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes. The 40,000 fans nearly brought the roof down with their deafening roar.
But Malaysia’s joy was shortlived as Barcelona regained the lead just two minutes later. This time, it was Neymar who scored after capitalising on a lapse in the Malaysian defence.
After the breather, Barcelona made seven substitutions. One of the significant changes was taking Neymar off and replacing him with Cristian Tello.
Malaysia, on the other hand, made five changes. The substitutions failed to make an impact and Malaysian did not even have a decent attempt at goal.
Barcelona had the chance to increase the lead in the 60th minute but Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta missed from close range.
They continued to pile on the pressure and finally managed to make it 3-1 in the 75th minute. Lanky defender Gerard Pique collected a pass from Alex Song before slamming the ball past substitute goalkeeper Farizal Marlias to win the CIMB Challenge Trophy.
Barca, who whipped Thailand in the other match on their tour of Asia, left for Spain after the match.
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