Leandro Trossard’s brace inspired Arsenal to a thrilling 5-3 victory over Barcelona in a captivating pre-season friendly at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
In an action-packed encounter, Trossard’s second-half heroics helped Mikel Arteta’s team stage a remarkable comeback against the Spanish champions. Arsenal’s young talents Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz twice levelled the score in an eventful first half before Trossard’s goals shifted the momentum in favour of the Gunners after the break.
Fabio Vieira sealed the triumph with a sensational fifth goal, shortly after Ferran Torres had reduced the deficit for Barcelona.
The match showcased the attacking prowess of both teams in front of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers’ home crowd. Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock after just seven minutes, capitalising on Raphinha’s saved attempt.
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Arsenal’s Saka equalised in the 13th minute but later missed a penalty midway through the first half. Raphinha’s free-kick deflected off Martin Odegaard to put Barcelona back in the lead, only for Odegaard to then assist Kai Havertz in levelling the score once more before halftime.
The second half belonged to Leandro Trossard, who calmly slotted home his first goal after 55 minutes before displaying clinical finishing with a first-time strike from Kieran Tierney’s pass for his second.
A late goal from Ferran Torres gave Barcelona a glimmer of hope, but Fabio Vieira’s impressive long-range effort secured a well-deserved victory for Arsenal.