ARSENAL continued their pre-season US tour by defeating Spanish champions Barcelona.
It was a blistering start at SoFi Stadium, where Robert Lewandowski and the Spanish side scored within the first 10 minutes. But just five minutes later, Arsenal equalized behind a Bukayo Saka finish.
Later in the half, though, Saka bottled a penalty, putting the effort wide. Barcelona would then capitalize off a free-kick, where Raphinha's shot would deflect into the net.
The Gunners still wouldn't give up, with Kai Havertz leveling play yet again. Entering the break, the two teams were level at two.
In the second half, Arsenal finally took the lead after a precise Leandro Trossard finish. Trossard wouldn't stop there, adding a fourth for the Gunners later in the game.
In the last minute, Barcelona attempted a comeback after notching their fourth of the night, but Arsenal netted a fifth to seal the game.
- Final result: Arsenal 5 Barcelona 3
- Live stream: Arsenal.com
- Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus.
- Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Dest, Araujo, Pedri, Lewandowski, Gundogan, Christensen, Ez Abde, Marcos A., Oriol Romeu, Raphinha.
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Follow ALL the action from SoFi Stadium with our live blog below…
- By Jordan Kligman
Who does Arsenal play next?
Arsenal plays Monaco next Wednesday, August 2.
Wednesday's match is the Emirates Cup Final.
Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm ET.
- By Jordan Kligman
Arsenal fans react
Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter after defeating Barcelona.
One fan tweeted: "Arteta and the boys are cooking Spanish delicacies before the season starts. Love to see it."
A second said: "That was fun."
Another commented: "Arteta eliminated Xavi."
And a fourth added: "Very good and solid performance. Can't wait to watch you at the Emirates."
- By Connor Greaves
Arsenal pre-season fixtures and results
- July 8: Arsenal 1-1 Watford (London Colney)
- July 13: Nurnberg 1-1 Arsenal (Max-Morlock-Stadion)
- July 20: MLS All Stars 0-5 Arsenal (Audi Field, Washington DC)
- July 22: Arsenal 0-2 Man Utd (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)
- July 26: Arsenal vs Barcelona (SoFi Stadium, LA) – 3:30am
- July 27: Arsenal vs Monaco – Emirates Cup (Emirates Stadium) – 6pm
- August 6: Man City vs Arsenal – Community Shield (Wembley) – 4pm
- By Jordan Kligman
Sights from SoFi
Here are some more snaps from SoFi Stadium tonight.
Saka scored the Gunners first goal of the nightCredit: Getty Tonight was a high-scoring affair, with eight goals between the sidesCredit: Getty Mikel Arteta led his side to another winCredit: Getty - By Jordan Kligman
Final score: Barcelona 3 Arsenal 5
Arsenal prevail in this high-scoring affair!
Barcelona held the lead twice in the first-half, but couldn't walk away with the victory.
The Gunners opened up the game in the second-half, defeating the Spanish side.
What a performance from both sides.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 5
89. Immediately after Barcelona's third of the night, Arsenal add another.
Fabio Vieira wrapped his foot around the ball and put in a beauty from outside the box.
- By Jordan Kligman
GUNNERS!!!! GOALLL!!!!!
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 4
88. Ferran Torres gets one back for Barcelona!
They're just one behind with over five minutes left to play.
- By Jordan Kligman
GOALL!!!BARCA!!!
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 4
82. Arsenal are just less than 10 minutes away from a win over Barcelona.
The Gunners have completely outplayed the Spanish side this second half.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 4
78. It's Arsenal's fourth of the night!
Trossard deflects the cross in for his second of the game.
What a showing from the English side tonight.
After his goal, Trossard checked out.
- By Jordan Kligman
ARSENAL!!! AGAIN!!!!
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 3
74. Ousmane Dembélé rings one off the post for Barcelona.
They were just inches away from equalizing.
There's just over 15 minutes left in tonight's match.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 3
72. Arsenal goalscorer Trossard is down.
He's currently being attended to by the medical staff.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 3
67. Another hydration break.
The teams will take a few minutes to get some water in their systems.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 3
65. It's been a brilliant second half for Arsenal.
Both teams are still a threat on the counter, though.
Barcelona can still level play at any second.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 3
59. Off the corner, Emile Smith Rowe nearly drilled in Arsenal's fourth of the night.
It was a brilliant attempt from the English side.
The Gunners are keeping up the pressure.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 3
55. Leandro Trossard got the angle and put it past the keeper with his left foot.
It wasn't all too powerful, but it was precise.
Great shot from the forward for Arsenal's first lead of the night.
- By Jordan Kligman
ARSENAL!!! GOALLL!!!!
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 2
51. Saka nearly had his second of the night for Arsenal.
The ball bounced to Saka in the box, who shot it over the bar.
Arsenal are picking up the pace now.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 2
47. Barcelona has made 10 substitutions to start the second half.
It's an entirely new team.
Just 45 minutes left of play in this pre-season friendly.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 2
46. The second half has now commenced.
Arsenal's Havertz is done for the game.
- By Jordan Kligman
Scenes from SoFi
Here are some scenes from SoFi Stadium in California.
Barcelona are wearing white kits for the first time in 44 yearsCredit: EPA Arsenal are level at the break despite falling behind twiceCredit: EPA Xavi is not entirely pleased with his defenseCredit: AFP - By Jordan Kligman
Halftime: Barcelona 2 Arsenal 2
Arsenal and Barcelona head into the half tied at two a piece.
Saka and Havertz scored for the English side, while Lewandowski and Raphinha powered shots in for Barcelona.
The Gunners have been able to respond to everything the Spanish side has thrown at them.
It's been a fantastic first half of soccer from SoFi.
45 more minutes coming up after half.
- By Jordan Kligman
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 2
42. Off a brilliant cross, it's headed directly to Kai Havertz's boot into the back of the net.
What a response, yet again, from Arsenal.
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