In the memory of the late, great Diego Maradona, his two former clubs Barcelona and Boca Juniors played out the first Maradona Cup. Boca Juniors would emerge as the winners of the competition, 4-2 on penalties. The game ended 1-1 in regulation time and had to be decided from the spot.
What went down in the Maradona Cup
In a game that held little competitive significance apart from prestige, Xavi fielded a side with youngsters and fringe players. Among the notable incidents from the game was the return of Dani Alves in a Barcelona shirt. The Brazilian featured for the club 2,018 days after his last appearance. He would go on to score one of the penalties for Barcelona, but in vain.
The 38-year-old was as sharp as ever, and looked quite threatening while going forward. Dani Alves is not yet allowed to play in La Liga or the Champions League. But, when the transfer window opens, he will be registered and will be a part of the squad to play competitive fixtures.
Clement Lenglet wore the captain’s armband in a Barcelona lineup that included Alves, Riqui Puig, Alejandro Balde, Philippe Coutinho, Yusuf Demir and Sergino Dest most notably.
Ferran Jutgla of Barcelona scored their first goal in remarkable fashion. But, the effort was cancelled out following Exequiel Zeballos’ equaliser to send the game into penalties. Matheus Pereira and Guillem Jaime missed their penalties, while Boca Juniors converted all four to win the Maradona Cup.
