Albert Ferrer's side managed to come back from a 2-0 deficit from the first half, but ultimately lost in the penalty shootout to Real Madrid Legends (2–2, 7–8) in Sunday's game in Toluca, Mexico. Puyol and Saviola got the Barça goals at a packed Estadio Nemesio Díez, with nearly 26,000 spectators enjoying a thrilling clash.

Culer dominance

A high intensity clash saw Barça boss the opening minutes. In the fourth minute, Casillas prevented Giuly from scoring after the Frenchman's delightful 1-2 with Saviola in the box, Rivaldo then had a chance from the penalty spot when Saviola was brought down, but unfortunately missed, and on their third attempt, Barça appeared to have scored, but the goal was disallowed for a clear offside.

Paying for forgiveness

The Barça Legends paid for their lack of finishing, for Luis Figo and Marcelo did capitalise on their opportunities. Figo opened the scoring with an individual run down the right wing and a shot across goal that beat Angoy after 18 minutes and then the second Madrid goal came down the left flank, Marcelo chipping the ball home, Between the two goals, Casillas made a brilliant double save against Iniesta and Saviola.

Barça respond

Despite the setbacks, Barça regrouped. Captain Carles Puyol—celebrating his 47th birthday—pulled one back with a powerful header from a Rivaldo corner and just minutes later, Saviola pounced on a chance, assisted by Puyol, to equalise before a wild, high-tempo first half ended all square.

No more goals

The second half saw a drop in intensity after the frenetic pace of the first 45 minutes. De la Red had the best chance for Madrid, hitting the crossbar from outside the box. For Barça, Ricardo Quaresma was the most dangerous, dazzling fans with three solo runs down the left wing. On the last of these, he was fouled, and the resulting free kick from Rafa Márquez was powerfully punched away by Contreras.

Loss on pens

With neither team able to find a winner, the match was decided by a tense and dramatic penalty shootout. Saviola had the chance to seal the win with Barça’s fifth penalty but sent the ball wide. In sudden death, Madrid eventually won with the 10th penalty, converted by Raúl Bravo past Guzmán.

A great day out in Mexico, but sadly not the right result.

MATCH STATS

Barça Legends, 2 (7)
Real Madrid Leyendas, 2 (8)

Barça Legends: Angoy, Puyol, Márquez, Frank de Boer, Coco, Rivaldo, Iniesta, Giuly, Roger Garcia, Saviola, Cocu, Guzmán, Juan Carlos, Navarro, Sorín, Crosas, Jonathan Soriano & Quaresma.

Real Madrid Leyendas: Iker Casillas, Antonio Núñez, Fernando Sanz, Agustín García, Marcelo, Rubén de la Red, Luis Milla, Guti, Luis Figo, Edwin Congo, Savio Bortolini, Olalla, Emerson, Amavisca, Contreras, Bravo, Barral & Balboa.

Goals: 0-1, Figo (min 18); 0-2, Marcelo (min 22); 1-2, Puyol (min 31); 2-2, Saviola (min 34).

Penalties: 1-0, Soriano; 1-1, Balboa; 2-1, De Boer; 2-1, Agustín García (missed); 3-1, Márquez; 3-2, Barral; 4-2, Sorín; 4-3, Marcelo; 4-3, Saviola (missed); 4-4, De la Red; 5-4, Crosas; 5-5, Olaya; 6-5, Roger; 6-6, Núñez; 7-6, Puyol; 7-7, Congo; 7-7, Cocu (missed); 7-7, Fernando Sanz (missed); 7-7, Juan Carlos (missed); 7-8, Bravo.

Referee: Roberto García Orozco.