By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–The 2015 Guinness International Champions Cup wrapped up it’s trip to the Bay Area on Saturday with a grand matchup between FC Barcelona and Manchester United.  Over 68,000 fans packed Levi’s Stadium to see the two global powers take part in the cup draw.

FC Barcelona traveled to the United States without two of their strongest players in Neymar and Messi, known as some of the best players in the world.  Though, it didn’t seem to bother them that much, as they dominated possession in the match 65%-35%.  With all of that possession, came a lot of shots, as Barca outshot United 18-10.

However, even with all of those shots, FC Barcelona couldn’t get past the Red Devils, as Manchester United won 3-1. Luck came with it though, as Barcelona hit three posts in the match.  United coach, Louis van Gaal admitted the luck, “We also had a little bit of luck. Three balls on the post, but I was pleased with the performance”, while Barcelona coach Luis Enrique mentioned “post are just part of the game”.

Man U Captain, Wayne Rooney, started the scoring in just the eighth minute, ending his scoreless drought. He headed a corner from Ashley Young in the middle of the box past Mac Andre Ter Stegen to give United the 1-0 lead.

The Red Devil’s mass sub came in the 62nd minute, as van Gaal swapped out all of his starting VI.  The impact was almost felt immediately, as United made it 2-0 in the 68th minute, when a pass on the ground in the box from Tyler Blackett found the boot of Jesse Lindgard, who easily got it past Jordi Masip on the right side, “I’m happy with the reaction from the youngsters from Tuesday.  They came out a lot more aggressive and scored two goals”, commented van Gaal.

Barcelona finally broke through in the 90th minute on a beautiful volley from Rafinha. Sergio Roberto earned the assist with a cross from the right side that found Rafinha at the top of the box, where he took one touch to settle and then powered a volley to the left side of the net.

Just seconds later in extra time, Manchester United got their third, as Adnan Januzaj beat two defenders with a great individual effort to make it 3-1. “He was very good and scored a wonderful goal.  However, it was a little easier without Pique back there”, added van Gaal on Januzaj’s performance.

In David Da Gea’s first game back from injury, he was challenged early and often for United. He earned the clean sheet in all of the 62 minutes he played with three saves. “De Gea stopped the first shot and allowed us to score first. That’s always huge for us”, said van Gaal.

Both Barca and United each have one game remaining in the United States, as Manchester United takes on PSG in Chicago and Barcelona plays Chelsea in Maryland on Tuesday before they return home to Europe to cap off their pre-season play.