SHAH ALAM (10 Aug 2013) –The result was really beyond contention but in the end, the Malaysian XI put up a commendable performance to concede a 3-1 loss to a star-studded FC Barcelona side tonight at the Shah Alam Stadium.
With the Spanish side having beaten Thailand 7-1 just a few days earlier, a thrashing was expected tonight but with the absence of Lionel Messi, it took the wind out of the visitors somewhat even though they had new signing Neymar spearheading the frontline.
After holding out Barcelona in the opening first half, Cesc Fabregas finally opened account for the Spanish champions with the first goal of the game in the 33rd minute.
Off a short pass from Neymar from the left, Jordi Alba cross for Fabregas to head into goal as Khairul Fahmi Che Mat failed to make a clean save.
But off a quick counter-attack in the 40th minute, Mohd Amri Yahyah scored the equalizer off a fabulous run from K. Gurusamy.
The equalizer lasted just three minutes as off a close movement inside the box from Cesc, it allowed Neymar to find the back of the net to put Barcelona in front at the break.
Into the second half, both teams made a flurry of changes with Malaysia bringing in Farizal Marlias for Khairul Fahmi as Barcelona then took out both Neymar and also Jordi Alba.
The Malaysians continued to be disciplined in defence much to the frustration of Barcelona up until the 75th minute, for Gerard Pique to score the third goal of the game.
