The team of miracles, the only way to understand that in the Barça box there is nothing but cobwebs and, instead, is done with a string of players at galactic prices, presented Robert Lewandowski, its last star, in Las Vegas. The miracle theory was propagated by Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann – “Barcelona is the only club in the world that doesn't have money but buys any player it wants” –, undoubtedly annoyed at having lost his leading scorer.
The city of casinos, of the mafia, of roulette, of neon lights, of false Elvis, of sin in short, was the scene of the second classic of the Americas, a Barça-Madrid –Catalan victory by a goal to nil – in which Lewandowski made his debut, the cornerstone of the new Barça dream, although at almost 34 years old (he turns on August 21) it is not exactly a bet for the future.
The Pole debuted as a starter. He formed an attacking trio with Ansu Fati and with a new one, Raphinha. Five years ago, in the first classic in the United States, in July 2017, held in Miami (3-2 for the Catalans), the Catalans had a dream trident in attack, Messi, Neymar and Suárez. But that was the Brazilian's last game and that magnificent partnership was broken.
It is not about thinking, like the poet, that any past time was better, because, in the absence of Messi, the ten is worn by a young Ansu who excites, daring and cheeky, wanting to do different things. And Lewandowski showed from the first moment – a foul when joining the recovery of the ball – that he is a guy who knows very well what this is about and with desire. He has not signed in search of a golden retirement.
The Allegiant Stadium, a kind of ship from Star Wars, was filled to the max, 72,000 spectators, among whom white shirts predominated, they say in part because Madrid was generous in giving away their jacket. The biggest ovation, however, went to Lewandowski at the presentation. The whites, on the other hand, did not include their most important players, nor their great figure, Benzema, nor their usual midfield, without Casemiro, Modric and Kross, all three on the bench.
Wearing the 12, the new center forward of the azulgranas brought something different. The team, already with Xavi on the bench, having solved the bureaucratic problems with his visa, kept its hallmark. Touches and more touches, the famous tiki taka. But the Pole is one of those who breaks because he always has the cane ready, shooting quickly in a squad that is not used to shooting and more given to the delight of self-satisfaction.
Despite the dominance, Valverde had the first chance, who crashed a ball into the post. Shortly after, a Raphinha who had been unlucky in dribbling, took a spectacular shot and scored the 1-0 in the 25th minute. That magnificent execution was somewhat tarnished by the great goal assist that Militao gave him, the The Brazilian defense of the Merengues was confused or perhaps he thought that they were playing with the Rio de Janeiro national team and that Raphinha was his colleague.
The first part, of clear culé domain, ended with an outbreak of a fight. Militao cut off a progression by Pedri with an attack. The referee let him continue and the ball was taken by Vinicius, who was stopped abruptly by Alba. And he messed up.
The second half started with a dance of changes and the game had another character Ancelotti brought out his luxury midfield, all three. Xavi made five changes, including Lewandowski and the Whites started out having more control. Asensio had a great opportunity and missed it.
Substitutions followed. Only Courtois remained among the starters of the two teams. Piqué entered and, surely due to the Shakira effect, was whistled at every time he touched the ball, even on rebounds. The game turned into a roller coaster and Kessié had a golden opportunity, after a pass from Sergi Roberto, to score the second.
The dynamic was transformed in the last minutes. Touch football was made by Madrid (he finished with a 52% ball control), while Barça endured the stalking and the public turned as if it were a real game and not a summer friendly. In the counterattack, well led by Kessié, Dembéle was frustrated by Courtois. The Frenchman had another one and the Belgian goalkeeper was great again. Couretois imposed the wall effect after a great shot by Dest in stoppage time.
Barça won, having more chances (16 for 9) and more football. As the poster that Laporta took off says, "what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas". The bad thing is that this victory has even less value than last season's 0-4 at the Bernabeu.
