Anthony Gordon experienced a mixed evening as Barcelona concluded their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Al Ahly at the Nou Camp, securing the Joan Gamper Trophy.
The former Newcastle United winger played the entire second half for Hansi Flick's side. First-half goals from 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim and a Raphinha penalty gave Barcelona a 2-0 lead before Zico pulled one back for Al Ahly early in the second half. Barcelona continued to dominate and retained the trophy.
Gordon's Performance and Penalty Miss
Flick made wholesale changes at half-time, bringing on Gordon, who played on the left flank and later as a striker. He had a goal disallowed and won a penalty, but his spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper El Shenawy.
Mundo Deportivo described Gordon as "imaginative" and said: "Better than in Basel [Barca's previous friendly], he almost scored with a chip. He cleverly won a penalty, but missed it."
La Vanguardia noted his penalty record with Newcastle, stating: "The third goal seemed destined to come from another penalty, this time awarded for a foul on Gordon, who was breaking towards goal. The Englishman, who had already taken penalties for Newcastle, demanded the ball, but goalkeeper El Shenawy guessed correctly."
Mixed Reviews from Spanish Media
Barca Blaugranes was more lavish in praise, saying: "Once again, Anthony Gordon was impressive, this time in a second-half cameo. The former Newcastle United man is still settling into his new role but has slotted in at Barca perfectly. Whether used by Flick as an impact sub for Raphinha initially, or utilised elsewhere in the front line, his work rate will help win him the plaudits, and his attacking excellence will help win Barca games. A shame he couldn't dispatch the penalty he'd won, but it's still so far, so good from the Englishman."
SPORT gave Gordon a rating of 6/10, delivering a more downbeat review: "He alternated promising play with some inconsistency. He intelligently won a penalty, which he took himself but without success. Lots of desire but inconsistent accuracy."
Next Steps for Barcelona
Barcelona begin the defence of their La Liga title at Elche on Sunday, with Gordon in contention to be in the starting line-up.
