Barcelona vs Real Madrid score, result as Ousmane Dembele scores in 3-0 El Clasico preseason friendly win USA

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Simon Borg
• 18 min read
Ousmane Dembele celebrates a Barcelona goal vs Real Madrid in preseason
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Barcelona won another preseason El Clasico in the USA against rivals Real Madrid, blanking them 3-0 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They also won summer El Clasico affairs on U.S. soil in 2017 and 2022.

An early 15th-minute goal by Ousmane Dembele on a training field set-piece move set the La Liga champions on their way, and they sealed the result with two late goals that saw 20-year-old academy product Fermin Lopez at the center of both.

Real Madrid had multiple chances, but Vinicius Jr hit the crossbar on a first-half penalty kick, and Madrid hit the woodwork four other times as the finishing failed a team seeking to find its way without longtime captain and top scorer Karim Benzema, who moved to Saudi Arabia.

It was a welcome victory for Barcelona, who were forced to cancel a friendly match against Juventus because of a bout of gastroenteritis that afflicted the squad, then lost 5-3 to Arsenal. They next face AC Milan on Tuesday and then Tottenham on August 8 before opening the season at Getafe on August 13.

Real Madrid saw their winning preseason run end after victories over AC Milan (3-2) and Manchester United (2-0). They meet Juventus on August 2 in Orlando before heading back to Spain ahead of the start of the season on August 12.

MORE: When are all the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid matchups in 2023/24?

Barcelona vs Real Madrid final score

  Final Goal scorers
Barcelona 3 - Ousmane Dembele (Pedri) 15'
- Fermin Lopez (Sergi Roberto) 85'
- Ferran Torres (Fermin Lopez) 91'
Real Madrid 0  

Lineups:

Barcelona 1st min. (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Ter Stegen (GK) — 4. Araujo, 23. Kounde, 15. Christensen (24. Eric Garcia 28'), 3. Balde — 21. De Jong, 14. Gundogan (20. S. Roberto 42'), 18. Romeu — 7. Dembele (22. Raphinha 66'), 9. Lewandowski, 8. Pedri (29. Fermin 66').

Barcelona 75th min. (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Ter Stegen (GK) — 2. Dest, 23. Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia, 12. Marcos Alonso — 20. Sergi Roberto, 10. Ansu Fati, 29. Fermin Lopez — 22. Raphinha, 11. Ferran Torres. 16. EZ Abde

Real Madrid (4-3-1-2, right to left): 1. Courtois (GK) — 2. Carvajal, 3. Militao, 4. Alaba, 23. F. Mendy (20. F. Garcia 45') — 15. Valverde (10. Modric 58'), 18. Tchouameni, 12. Camavinga (8. Kroos 58') — 5. Bellingham (14. Joselu 73') — 7. Vinicius Jr, 11. Rodrygo (21. Brahim 83')

Real Madrid miss Karim Benzema already

End product was lacking for Real Madrid on this day, and it was most glaring on a first-half penalty awarded for a handball by Barcelona in the box. It was Vinicius Jr. who stepped up, but he's only taken two penalties in his professional career according to Transfermarkt. He could not deliver, smashing the crossbar. But it was not a well-executed penalty.

The questions will be raised whether set-piece specialist Rodrygo, or even Jude Bellingham should assume those penalty duties ahead of Vinicius. But Vinicius seems primed to take on a bigger role for the team, and taking penalties away from him would constitute a blow to his standing.

Vinicius was still the best Real Madrid player on the field, despite missing the penalty and hitting the crossbar on two other occasions. He needs to continue to do what he does best on the left wing, but he will need a presence in the middle of the box to support him. Rodrygo and Bellingham didn't provide it in this game, and Joselu only had a handful of minutes (and missed a big chance).

How Real Madrid lost to Barcelona 3-0

When it boils down to it, Real Madrid should have gotten something from this game. But Vinicius Jr (missed penalty and two crossbars), Rodrygo (diving set-piece stop by Ter Stegen), and Jude Bellingham (post on a header) could not find a breakthrough. And then Aurelien Tchouameni (crossbar from distance) and forward substitute Joselu (wide open header that missed the target) also came up short.

When Barcelona had their first-choice backline, they defended well after taking the early lead, but the Blaugrana were also very lucky — for example, Tchouameni's blast bounced off the crossbar and then off the back of the head of Ter Stegen and out. 

Barcelona's Fermin Lopez took advantage of an unbalanced Real Madrid side chasing a late equalizer, scoring and assisting on two late goals to seal the result. So the scoreline ultimately flatters Barcelona, but also highlights some Real Madrid finishing issues that could become magnified if the wins don't follow to start the season.

Who is Fermin Lopez?

He's a 20-year-old midfielder who joined the Barcelona youth set-up seven years ago and has spent time with the club's youth teams, reserve side Barca Atletic, and on loan with third-division side Linares.

He slotted into central midfield against Real Madrid, playing in the right and left midfield channel. And while he didn't stand out for much outside the goals, he did show strong attacking instincts on his strike from distance, and on his perfectly weighted chipped ball over the top.

Realistically, you'd think that with Gavi, Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie De Jong, Oriol Romeu, and Sergi Roberto, Fermin Lopez would not likely see much action in 2023/24. Although another loan spell would seem to make sense, manager Xavi Hernandez said that he'll be staying with the first team, according to Alfredo Martinez.

"I like him, I see talent, and the final pass," said Xavi postgame about Fermin Lopez, per Relevo. "It's what we were missing last season in the final third."

Will Barcelona keep Ousmane Dembele?

It was a surprise to see the Frenchman in the starting lineup given the rumours about a potential transfer to PSG. But Xavi Hernandez has always spoken highly of the winger and his importance to the team. Dembele's goal was a sensational shot from a tight angle after an intricate set-piece play, but he also had a 1-on-1 that he should've done better on. He was the most active attacker on the day, especially next to a quiet Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona undoubtedly need him, and it would have to be a mega offer to make it worth the while to part ways with a game-breaker like Dembele. The club does not have a player with his talent set and speed out wide, and if the club struggled in attack for stretches last season, there's no telling whether those dry patches will become even more pronounced in 2023/24.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid live updates, highlights, commentary

Final: Barcelona 3-0 Real Madrid

91st min.: Goal Barcelona! What a chip over the top by Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres does the rest, lofting the ball over the goalkeeper and then touch it home into an empty net.

90th min.: Chance Real Madrid! On a set-piece into the box, Joselu has a free header, but can't score from point-blank range!

87th min.: Chance Real Madrid! Vini Jr makes another run down the left and gets to the end line and tries an audacious shot from a tight angle that hits the crossbar. Real Madrid haven't had much luck at AT&T Stadium.

85th min.: Goal Barcelona! Fermin Lopez gets the ball 25 yards out with no pressure and he fires a shot that Thibaut Courtois has no chance at stopping.

83rd min.: Chance Real Madrid. Vini Jr goes solo down the left, gets by defenders and tries to find the far post, but misses just wide. Brahim Diaz is on for Rodrygo.

75th min.: SUBS Barcelona. There are several fresh legs thrown on by Xavi Hernandez. But this game seems to be fizzling to its end.

73rd min.: SUB Real Madrid. Joselu is on for Jude Bellingham. We'll see if the super-sub can come up with another goal after his bicycle kick against Man United.

68th min.: SUBS Barcelona. Fermin Lopez (for Pedri) and Raphinha (for Dembele) are on. Lopez will operate at right central midfield, while Raphinha will play on the right wing, with Sergi Roberto on the opposite left attacking wing.

62nd min.: Chance Real Madrid! Aurelien Tchouameni is not pressured and he takes a shot from 20 yards out. It slams off the crossbar and off the back of the head of Ter Stegen, who gets lucky.

58th min.: SUBS Real Madrid. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are in for Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. If these two veterans can't wrest away control of the game with some possession, no one can.

57th min.: Barcelona keep knocking it around, but with no end product. Real Madrid have a near header from Jude Bellingham on the other end, but he was thrown off by a little nudge from defender Ronald Araujo. Madrid will see if subs can turn the tide of the match.

52nd min.: Chance Real Madrid! It's Vinicius in transition and he fires a left-footed shot that goes right to Ter Stegen, who makes the easy stop.

50th min.: Slow start to this second half, but Barcelona are on the front foot, combining in and around the Madrid box, but they can't get any clear looks.

46th min.: Real Madrid kick off to start the second half. There are no subs (probably because several were already made in the first half). It's worth noting Sergi Robert is playing at left wing with Pedri in central midfield, where Gundogan operated.

Halftime: Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid

Halftime: It was an eventful, intense half of football, with three players already subbed out due to injury, and four yellow cards handed out.

We've also seen teams hit the woodwork four times (!), a penalty kick, a great set-piece goal, and two fantastic saves by either goalkeeper.

Barcelona have the lead, but they haven't been able to generate sustained attacks after a strong start. Real Madrid look closer to scoring the next goal.

The biggest talking points will be: Gundogan's health, Real Madrid's penalty taker (Vinicius Jr failed to convert), and Dembele's future given how impactful he still is. While you wait for the start of the second half, enjoy this play by Barcelona's Alejandro Balde.

48th+ min.: Real Madrid players seem to be feeling the pressure. They get upset that play is stopped again after Ronaldo Araujo slams against the fieldboard following a hard challenge from Jude Bellingham along the sideline.

YELLOW card to captain Dani Carvajal for protests. The players are getting in the American referee's face and they're in the wrong. But Allen Chapman is standing up to them.

45th min.: SUB Real Madrid. Ferland Mendy has an issue and he's replaced by Fran Garcia, who has started at left-back the last couple of friendlies. Mendy gifted Dembele the chance earlier after falling awkwardly. His substitution may be related.

The subs, the fouls, the protests, and the stoppages have killed the pace and flow of the game.

42nd min.: SUB Barcelona. Ilkay Gundogan comes off for Sergi Roberto and he seems to have an issue, perhaps from an earlier challenge.

41st min.: YELLOW card Frenkie De Jong. The Dutchman takes down Eder Militao from behind after the chance by Dembele. And the players are testing American referee Allen Chapman.

41st min.: Chance Barcelona! It's a 1-on-1 for Ousmane Dembele against Thibaut Courtois, but the Belgian 'keeper comes up big off his line.

39th min.: Chance Real Madrid! Double post hit by Real Madrid! First Vini Jr hits the crossbar, and then Jude Bellingham beats Ter Stegen to the rebound and his header hits the post! What a wild sequence.

34th min.: YELLOW card to Eduardo Camavinga for a late sliding challenge on Ronald Araujo. Real Madrid players complain, but Araujo stays down and needs treatment.

32nd min.: Chance Real Madrid! on set-piece earned by Vinicius Jr, it's Rodrygo who curls it on goal, but Ter Stegen swats it away. Big save.

28th min.: SUB Barcelona. Andreas Christensen comes off the field with Eric Garcia taking over in central defense.

25th min.: YELLOW card to Aurelien Tchouameni for a nasty tackle at Ilkay Gundogan's ankle. Real Madrid players protest, but it's an obvious yellow.

20th min.: Penalty missed by Vinicius Jr! It's off the crossbar by Vinicius Jr. He's not been the usual penalty taker for Real Madrid while Karim Benzema was on the team. But it's not a good start for the Brazilian.

19th min.: Penalty Barcelona! U.S. referee Allen Chapman calls the penalty for a handball by Ronald Araujo who touches the ball away from a Real Madrid attacker. It's pretty clear-cut.

15th min.: Goal Barcelona! What a set-piece play! Barcelona took Real Madrid to school there. Pedri won the free-kick wide right, Gundogan gave it to Pedri outside the box, and Pedri found Dembele making a run in behind. Dembele did the rest.

14th min.: Ilkay Gundogan is operating as the attacking midfielder in front of Frenkie De Jong and Oriol Romeu in central midfield.

11th min.: Chance Real Madrid! It's end-to-end stuff at AT&T Stadium. Jude Bellingham is put through on a run into the attack, but Jules Kounde blocks his shot inside the box.

4th min.: Chance Barcelona! It's Oriol Romeu who hits the bar. That was a tremendous volley from the top of the box.

1st min.: We're off. And inside 30 seconds Rodrygo makes a run into Barcelona's box. It looks like Ronald Araujo is the one playing the right-back role against Vinicius Jr, with Jules Kounde at centre-back.

Kickoff

5 minutes to kickoff: The teams walk out on the field. Carvajal (Real Madrid) and Ter Stegen (Barcelona) are the captains.

30 minutes to kickoff: Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez is on hand in Dallas, where he played for the local Major League Soccer club. And, of course, he says that Joselu's bike from the other day reminded him of the bikes he scored with Real Madrid.

45 minutes to kickoff: Contrary to the official lineup published by the club, Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona's Gavi and Inigo Martinez will not be available on the bench due to physical issues.

Meanwhile, today it was announced that Barcelona's Nico Gonzalez is a new FC Porto player.

55 minutes to kickoff: We've already got sights and sounds from the stadium about one hour before kickoff at AT&T Stadium.

1 hour to kickoff: What PSG rumours? Ousmane Dembele starts for Barcelona, and Oriol Romeu is also in the lineup.

1 hour, 10 minutes to kickoff: Both teams will be in their traditional kits, with the debut of Barcelona's newest look today.

1 hour, 30 minutes to kickoff: Real Madrid's lineup is out with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois getting his first start of preseason.

2 hours, 30 minutes to kickoff: As much as some would prefer not to see El Clasico played during preseason, this is the third installment of a U.S. match which has produced two excellent spectacles in recent years:

Barcelona vs Real Madrid lineups

Despite rumoured interest from French side PSG, Ousmane Dembele features in the lineup with Pedri expected to line up on the left side of the front three. The Blaugrana will hope that the combination of Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo can contain Vinicius Jr. on the right side of the Barcelona defense. 

Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3): 1. Ter Stegen (GK) — 4. Araujo, 23. Kounde, 15. Christensen, 3. Balde — 21. De Jong, 14. Gundogan, 18. Romeu — 7. Dembele, 9. Lewandowski, 8. Pedri.

Barcelona subs (20): 13. Inaki Pena (GK), 25. Ander Astralaga (GK), 20. Sergi Roberto, 2. Sergino Dest, 12. Lenglet, 5. Inigo Martrinez, 12. Marcos Alonso, 24. Eric Garcia, 31. Alex Valle, 30. Mikayil Faye, 6. Gavi, 19. Kessie, 26. Marc Casado, 28. Alex Garrido, 29. Fermin Lopez, 10. Ansu Fati, 11. Ferran Torres, 16. EZ Abde, 22. Raphinha, 27. Lamine Yamal

Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are the only two players who have started all three matches on the U.S. tour.  New signing Arda Guler will not be in the squad after reportedly picking up a right meniscus injury which will see him return to Spain.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois gets his first start of the season, with Los Merengues repeating the attacking trio up top of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo.

Real Madrid starting lineup (4-3-1-2): 1. Courtois (GK) — 2. Carvajal, 3. Militao, 4. Alaba, 23. F. Mendy — 15. Valverde, 18. Tchouameni, 12. Camavinga — 5. Bellingham — 7. Vinicius Jr, 11. Rodrygo

Real Madrid subs (13): 13. Lunin (GK), 26. Diego Pineiro (GK), 30. Fran Gonzalez (GK), 22. Rudiger, 17. Lucas Vazquez, 20. Fran Garcia, 6. Nacho, 16. Odriozola, 8. Kroos, 10. Modric, 21. Brahim, 27. Nico Paz, 14. Joselu.

Watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid live stream, TV channel

This preseason friendly takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and kicks off on Saturday, July 29 at 4 p.m. local time.

MORE: Watch Premier League on Fubo in USA and on Fubo in Canada

  Date Kickoff time TV Streaming
USA Sat, Jul 29 5 p.m. ET — ESPN+
Canada Sat, Jul 29 5 p.m.  ET — DAZN
UK Sat, Jul 29 10 p.m. BST — —
Australia Sun, Jul 30 7 a.m. AEST — —
India Sun, Jul 30 2:30 a.m. IST Sony TEN 2 Sony LIV, Jio TV
Hong Kong Sun, Jul 30 5 a.m. HKT — —
Malaysia Sun, Jul 30 5 a.m. MYT Astro SuperSport 2 Astro GO, sooka
Singapore Sun, Jul 30 5 a.m.SGT — —
New Zealand Thu, Jul 27 9 a.m. NZST — —

Several countries have seen local broadcasters pick up the rights to show the match in different territories. 

Streaming options are available in selected countries with DAZN covering the match in Canada, Astro GO and sooka on duty in Malaysia, and ESPN+ in the USA.

Author(s)
Author Photo
Simon Borg
Simon Borg is a senior editor for football/soccer at The Sporting News.
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