GALLERY: Spanish giants dish out soccer lesson

FC Barcelona won the match against Absa Premier Soccer League, PSL, Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 during the Mandela Centenary Cup match on May 16 at the FNB stadium.

May 17, 2018

Annette van Schalkwyk 1 minute read

TAKING THE CHALLENGE: Mamelodi Sundowns' Motjeka Madisha taking on Lionel Messi from FC Barcelona during the International Club friendly match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Barcelona FC at FNB Stadium on May 16. Photo: by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images

SPANISH giants FC Barcelona showed why they are the La Liga 2017/2018 champions when meeting South Africa’s own giant in soccer, Mamelodi Sundowns.

FC Barcelona won the match against Absa Premier Soccer League, PSL, Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 during the Mandela Centenary Cup match on May 16 at the FNB stadium.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 16: During the International Club Friendly match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Barcelona FC at FNB Stadium on May 16, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images)

The Spanish giants secured a comfortable win in the Mandela Centenary Cup which marked former president Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday.

FC Barcelona impressed with their football skills showing why they are the champions when they played with ease against Sundowns. However, keen to impress the thousands of spectators who filled up the FNB stadium, the hosts never gave up and took the play to the Spaniards.

Ernesto Valverde’s side was never under any pressure and dominated play from the start to the final whistle. Goals came from Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Andre Gomes. Sundowns’ Sibusiso Vilakazi grabbed one back for the home side with a cool finish past goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

BRILLIANT TACKLE: Sundowns’ Khama Billiant not getting away with the ball during the International Club friendly match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Barcelona FC at FNB Stadium.
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images.

Sundowns now focus their attention on their CAF Champions’ League Group C match against Guinea side Horoya, while Barcelona finishes their league season with a home game against Real Sociedad.

The Future Legends programme will also continue. Supported by FC Barcelona and La Liga, together with Defy, three young players will be selected for a lifetime trip in August to Spain to watch FC Barcelona play in a Champions League match.