This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
Barcelona Wins Joan Gamper Trophy with Late Suarez Goal ¶
On August 4, 2019, Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the Joan Gamper Trophy, marking their 42nd win in the annual curtain-raiser.
Luis Suarez came off the bench to score the winning goal at stoppage time, rendering Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's first-half strike a mere consolation.
The match was Arsenal's last in the pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, and they had a mixed friendly fixture list, recording wins over Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, and Colorado Rapids, draws with Real Madrid and Angers, and a defeat to Lyon in the Emirates Cup.
Unai Emery named a strong side to face the Catalan giants, with Mesut Ozil, Granit Xhaka, and Aubameyang all making the starting lineup.
The selection paid off in the 36th minute as Aubameyang fired the visitors into the lead with an absolute worldie after beating Neto from 18 yards.
However, Barcelona's second-half substitutions, including the introduction of Ter Stegen, Todibo, Lenglet, Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Alena, and Rafinha, made an instant impact, suffocating Arsenal's backline with lethal attacking.
The pressure saw Ainsley Maitland-Niles direct the ball into his own net after attempting a back pass to Bernd Leno, who was nowhere near the goal-line.
With just minutes to end the match, Suarez volleyed home a spectacular winner as Barca claimed the record 42nd Joan Gamper Trophy.
Arsenal now shift their focus to the Premier League, where they will face Newcastle United in their league opener.
Source: Tuko
