Barcelona manager Hansi Flick experienced his first defeat in charge during a pre-season friendly against AC Milan, a match in which Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze played a pivotal role for the Italian side.
AC Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout after the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
The Serie A team took an early 2-0 lead with goals from Luka Jovic and Christian Pulisic.
Barcelona managed to level the score thanks to a brace from Robert Lewandowski but ultimately succumbed to Milan in the shootout.
Barcelona, employing Hansi Flick’s high-pressing system from the outset, left significant space behind their defense.
AC Milan exploited this vulnerability by frequently switching play to Rafael Leao, who was a constant threat early in the game.
The opening goal came from the right flank, where Samuel Chukwueze made a clever pass to Christian Pulisic.
The American forward then provided an assist to Luka Jovic, who scored with an easy tap-in.
Leao continued to be a menace on the opposite wing and, in the 15th minute, delivered a precise cross to Pulisic, who finished skillfully past Marc-André ter Stegen.
Barcelona’s response came in the 22nd minute when Robert Lewandowski, finally finding his form in the pre-season, scored his first goal of the tour.
He was set up by a well-placed pass from Raphinha, allowing him to execute a brilliant finish.
The second half saw a much-improved Barcelona, dominating the offensive play and restricting AC Milan’s attacking opportunities.
Lewandowski completed a well-orchestrated team move in the 55th minute, netting his second goal to equalize for the Blaugrana.
Despite Barcelona’s relentless pressure for a winning goal, AC Milan’s defense held firm, leading the match into a penalty shootout.
Both teams missed two of their initial five attempts. Kevin Zeroli converted Milan’s sixth penalty, and Mikayil Faye’s miss sealed Barcelona’s first pre-season defeat under Flick.
The match highlighted the tactical nuances of Flick’s high-press system and showcased Chukwueze’s impact on AC Milan’s attacking play, adding an extra layer of excitement to the pre-season encounter.
