JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 16: O. DembŽlŽ of Barcelona congratulated after his opening goal during the International Club Friendly match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Barcelona FC at FNB Stadium on May 16, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 16: O. DembŽlŽ of Barcelona congratulated after his opening goal during the International Club Friendly match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Barcelona FC at FNB Stadium on May 16, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Spanish champions ended up 3-1 winners on Wednesday night, as Mamelodi Sundowns vs Barcelona captured the imagination of fans and players alike.
Goals from Ousmane Dembele, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes saw Barcelona race into a three-goal lead. However, Soccer City erupted when Percy Tau’s pass unlocked the opposition’s defence and Sibusiso Vilakazi slotted home from close range.
Sundowns will ultimately be annoyed they gifted Barca two of their goals, but must also beam with pride after such a good showing. They were competitive throughout and more composure in front of goal would have changed the game.
Here’s the reaction from pitchside: Players and coaches were speaking to SABC, who broadcast the game live.
Sundowns vs Barcelona: Marc Ter Stegen and Ernesto Valverde praise fans
Marc Ter Stegen, Barcelona goalkeeper:
“It was amazing, the supporters pushed everyone here in the stadium. It was a big experience for us all. It was a difficult match after the flight, but we did well and scored from our first chance. It was a good match for both sides.”
Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona head coach:
“We’re very happy to have played in Mandela Challenge and happy with the way these players handled the game. The atmosphere was fantastic from the first whistle.”
Sundowns vs Barcelona: Masandawara left to rue what could have been
Sibusiso Vilakazi, goalscorer for Sundowns:
“They were world class, you have to take the lessons but also enjoy such a special moment playing with our idols.”
Percy Tau, Sundowns’ top scorer for the season:
“It was great, and really showed the level of our game. We still have to analyse the match and look at the mistakes, to see how we can take more of our chances.”
Pitso Mosimane, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach:
“Look at the three goals, we gave them two. I encouraged them to play from the back because that’s what we do. We wanted to try it against the best. If Percy Tau scores his early chance, it’s a different story. “
Jeremy Brockie, overjoyed with getting Gerard Pique’s shirt:
“I’m a United fan so I’m happy with this [Pique was once a United player] – I’m only used to playing with these guys on FIFA, not on the pitch! Their work rate is amazing, that’s what makes them so successful. We played well tonight, let’s review the video.”
