International Champions Cup: Barcelona Defeats Real Madrid To Claim Title

Barcelona have won the International Champions Cup, after beating Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling El Clasico on Saturday night.

International Champions Cup: Barcelona Defeats Real Madrid To Claim Title

The US edition of the pre-season tournament went to Ernesto Valverde’s men, thanks to goals from Lionel Mess, Ivan Rakitic and Gerard Pique in Miami.

Rakitic and Messi netted inside the first seven minutes to put the Catalans 2-0 at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Mateo Kovacic reduced the deficit shortly after and Marco Asensio equalized nine minutes before half-time.

Defender Gerard Pique restored Barca’s lead in the 50th minute, as Barca beat Manchester City to the ICC trophy, while Madrid ended the tournament without a victory.

Barcelona were dominant and determined not to let their lead slip, with Rakitic even squaring up to referee Jair Marrufo as he protested a decision, showing the stakes were much higher than for a regular friendly.

It was the first time the teams met in a friendly since 1991 and only the second time outside of Spain. Given its success, the spectacle is likely to be repeated.

Gerard Pique is awarded MVP. Or Most Valued Player (generally known as man of the match)

🔝 @3gerardpique, MVP de #ElClásicoMiami pic.twitter.com/QCED0FjgZF

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) 30 July 2017