0
0
[ad_1]
Why are Barcelona and Manchester City playing a friendly at Camp Nou three weeks into the season? – www.espn.com – SOCCER
Pep Guardiola returns to Camp Nou on Wednesday as his Premier League champions Manchester City take on LaLiga giants Barcelona in a friendly match despite both clubs having kicked off their 2022-23 seasons weeks ago.
City are three matches into the title defence they began on Aug. 7, having lost to Liverpool at Wembley in the Community Shield eight days previously on July 30, while Barca will play their third game of the season on Sunday against Real Valladolid (stream LIVE at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in the U.S.). And before that, both clubs travelled to the United States for their preseason tours, racking up six games between them across the Atlantic last month.
But they have still found time in their schedules to play in Wednesday’s match, which is for a worthy cause that is close to Guardiola’s heart as well as all those involved with Barca.
2 Related
A lot has changed since City last played at Barcelona, where Guardiola won two Champions Leagues among 14 trophies during his glorious four years in charge from 2008-2012. On that occasion, in 2016, Lionel Messi struck a hat trick and Neymar added a late fourth after City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was sent off early in the second half in a Champions League group-stage game.
The clubs’ trajectories have gone in opposite directions since then. City have got better and better under former Barca coach Guardiola, winning the Premier League in four of the past five seasons, although European success still eludes them.
Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!
Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Wild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!
Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.
Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!
SlotJar Safe Online Casino
Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Play Securely at LucksCasino.com
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.
The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:
- Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
- High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
- Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
- Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
- Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
- Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.
This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.
Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.
At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.
Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.
In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.
In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.
Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.
At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.
We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.
As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.
So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!
Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.
Barca, meanwhile, have lost Messi and Neymar, racked up more than €1 billion in debt and fallen away from Europe’s top tier of clubs, winning just one Copa del Rey during the past three seasons. There is hope, though, after a summer of more spending, that they’re ready to reassert themselves as one of the continent’s best sides — especially under coach Xavi Hernandez, Guardiola’s protege, who will be facing his mentor in the dugout for the first time.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
Why are Barcelona and Man City playing this match?
This friendly was originally scheduled to take place last year, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The attendance would have been capped at 30,000, per local government restrictions at the time, and the clubs wanted the game to be played in a full stadium — Camp Nou holds almost 100,000.
That’s because the money raised from the game will go towards research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the name of Juan Carlos Unzue, who was diagnosed with the condition at the start of 2020.
Barca and City had looked for a date in preseason, but summer tours abroad took precedence and it proved impossible to find a day that worked for both teams. Therefore, they reached the slightly unusual decision to hold the match this Wednesday, even though both sides have already started their domestic seasons.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, left, poses alongside Juan Carlos Unzue, centre, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images
Who is Juan Carlos Unzue?
Unzue is a former goalkeeper turned coach who spent most of his career at Sevilla. He also has strong links with Barcelona, where he was the club’s backup goalkeeper between 1988 and 1990, although it is as a coach that he is most renowned at Camp Nou. He became the goalkeeping coach for Frank Rijkaard’s Barca upon retirement and maintained that position under Guardiola.
He later tried his luck as manager at Numancia and Racing Santander before becoming Luis Enrique’s assistant at Celta Vigo in 2013. He followed Luis Enrique to Barca a year later, where they went on to win the Treble in 2015.
Following spells in charge of Celta and Girona, he was diagnosed with ALS in 2020, which is the most common form of motor neurone disease.
Unzue, rarely seen without a smile and now in a wheelchair, has been raising money to fund ALS research and Barca wanted to play a role in that fundraising. City, coached by Unzue’s friend Guardiola, were an obvious opponent and also a glamorous one in terms of generating interest.
Why are Barcelona the only club to regularly play friendlies during the season?
Barca have developed a habit of playing friendlies at awkward times, although it is usually to benefit their own coffers rather than to raise money for charity.
They ended last season with a trip to Australia to play an A-League All-Stars team in Sydney. That fixture was reportedly worth €5 million to the Catalan club.
In December 2021, they travelled to Saudi Arabia to face Napoli in the Diego Maradona Cup, after the death of the Argentine forward the previous year. Two clubs where he spent more time than Barca, Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors, did not get an invite. It was another money spinner for the Catalan club.
In 2018, just before the end of the season, Barca also organised a trip to South Africa to play Mamelodi Sundowns. Many still blame that fixture for costing Ernesto Valverde’s side an unbeaten season. Just three days earlier, they lost their penultimate game of the season, which was their only defeat in that campaign, 5-4 to Levante. The coming trip and contract stipulations about certain players having to play in South Africa was said to have been a distraction.
Barca also host the Joan Gamper Trophy annually at Camp Nou, although that fixture comes the week before the start of the new campaign. Pumas UNAM, Juventus, Elche, Arsenal, Boca Juniors and Chapecoense are recent guests.
play
0:49
Pep Guardiola feels Erling Haaland has plenty of room to get even better in his time at Manchester City.
Will this impact the teams’ starts to the season?
Barca have a bloated squad so Xavi may view this game favourably. It represents a chance to give more minutes to new signings Franck Kessie and Raphinha, who were both substitutes in the weekend win at Real Sociedad, and Jules Kounde, who is not yet registered to play in LaLiga due to the spending cap imposed by the league.
Xavi may also take the chance to give some playing time to Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Miralem Pjanic and other players who have not featured regularly in the two LaLiga games played thus far.
The fact it is played at Camp Nou is also a positive, as it means no midweek travelling ahead of Real Valladolid’s visit on Sunday.
Guardiola may not have such a positive view on proceedings. City had an inexperienced bench as they were held 3-3 by Newcastle United on Sunday, although they were still able to leave out players of the ilk of Riyad Mahrez and summer signing Kalvin Phillips.
Like Xavi, then, Guardiola is likely to take advantage of this fixture to get a better look at Phillips, Julian Alvarez and new signing Sergio Gomez, a Barcelona academy product.
Speaking at the presentation of the game back in June, Guardiola said he would field a strong side and City arrived in Girona, just north of Barcelona, with all of their star players on Sunday.
A lot of focus will fall on City midfielder Bernardo Silva. Barca have made no secret of their desire to sign the player — president Joan Laporta even made a joke of it at that presentation in June — but he will be wearing City blue on Wednesday. Despite the Portugal international telling ESPN’s Rob Dawson earlier this month that his future is uncertain, City say he is not likely to leave in the summer transfer window and Barca’s financial position suggests they may not even be able to test City’s stance.
[ad_2]
#Barcelona #Manchester #City #playing #friendly #Camp #Nou #weeks #season
