FCBARCELONA.CAT

Barça sign off in style (1-4)

FC Barcelona signed off from their tour of Mexico and the United States as they began it, with a victory. An impressive second half display in Giants Stadium saw the Blaugrana run out 4-1 winners against New York Red Bulls.

In the final pre-season friendly encounter before the Spanish Super Cup, Barça showed that confidence is high among the players before they tackle their first final of the season. The game in New York showed three important things with several World Cup stars back to their best, the performance of the side and the number of chances created. Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta made their debuts, Xavi returned, Leo Messi was inspirational and Ronaldinho looked sharp.

For the first time on the tour, Ronaldinho was named in the starting line-up by Frank Rijkaard and the Brazilian played a role in almost every attacking movement in the opening half and was the leader of the team going forward throughout as all the players combined well to break down the Red Bulls. Samuel Eto'o was also lively up front, but the Cameroon striker was unlucky not to score.

Ronaldinho picks his spot

Eto'o did provide the opening goal for the Blaugrana, however, as he made a diagonal run towards the area following a swift counter-attack in the 12th minute and as he made it inside the box, New York defender Marvell Wynne brought him down and the referee pointed to the spot. Ronaldinho fired home from 12 yards from the resulting penalty. After taking the lead, Barça's attacking rhythm did not relent in the opening half as Sylvinho,Ludovic Giuly and Eto'o all threatened to add a second, only to be denied by a fine display from goalkeeper Tony Meola.

Even Stevens

While Eto'o had four chances to score, Giuly another couple, the home side held out and began to launch attacks of their own. One such forward thrust produced an equaliser. Ronaldinho lost possession and the American outfit ended a quick move with Yourri Djorkaeff levelling matters seven minutes before the break.

First outing

At the break, Rijkaard made several changes as only Oleguer and Ronaldinho remained on the field for the start of the second half. Thuram and Zambrotta were given their first chance to impress since joining the club from Juventus, while Xavi enjoyed his first outing of the pre-season programme. After spurning several chances in the opening period, Barça were not about to let the Red Bulls off the hook again and began the quick, short passing game for which the teamis renowned. Just five minutes after the restart, the Blaugrana regained the lead as Messi's run was picked out in the area and the Argentinian rounded the keeper superbly before driving the ball back across the face of goal where Ronaldinho stretched to prod the ball into the net.

Total control

Barcelona's superiority was no absolute as they looked strong at the back and extremely effective going forward. Messi proved that he is ready for the new campaign with a very impressive display as he made several surging runs, eased past his markers and his link-up play was outstanding. He marked this fine performance y putting Rijkaard's team further ahead in the 61st minute as Gudjohnsen flicked the ball through the Red Bulls' defence for Messi to run clear before, once again, rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into the unguarded goal.

A fourth goal always looked on the cards and it duly came in the 86th minute as Javier Saviola profited from yet another incisive attacking move. The Argentinian striker was picked out with a threaded pass and he approached the keeper before clipping the ball into the far corner for the final goal of the night.