Saturday, 28 July 2012

Barcelona win on Vilanova bow

Barcelona's first game under new coach Tito Vilanova ended in a 2-1 friendly win away to German Bundesliga club Hamburg on Tuesday.
With a host of players missing, including those who helped Spain to glory at Euro 2012 and the injured Lionel Messi, Vilanova sent out a youthful-looking side in a match held to mark Hamburg's 125th anniversary.
Dani Alves gave the Catalans an early lead and, while Tolgay Arslan hauled Hamburg level, Barcelona scored what proved to be the winner shortly before half time when 18-year-old prodigy Gerard Deulofeu knocked in a loose ball.
Barcelona's next friendly comes away to Moroccan club Raja Casablanca in Tangier on Saturday.