[MATCH REPORT] Friends of Stoichkov - Barça Legends: Goals and spectacle in Bulgaria (3-2)

At the Beroe Stadium in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, the Barça Legends were beaten 3-2 by the Friends of Stoichkov. The friendly was played in a tremendous spirit and before kick-off, Trifon Ivanov, Johan Cruyff, Tito Vilanova and Ayan Sadukov were all honoured.

Angoy, Juan Carlos, Dehú, Nadal, Sánchez Jara, Sergi Barjuán, Popescu, Litmanen, Goikoetxea, Ezquerro and Salinas all started the game for the Barça Legends.

Bulgarian Effectiveness

Goicoetxea, Salinas and Ezquerro came closest to opening the scoring for the Blaugrana in a lively start to the match. Dimitar Berbatov would eventually find the net in the 26th minute, his fine back post header from a Martin Petrov cross giving Angoy no chance.

Chapi Ferrer quickly changed his personnel around, introducing Quique Estebaranz, Dani, Arpón and Moreno. Barça continued to press but the same combination from their opponents saw the Legends fall further behind.

Barca reaction

The second half began with Stoichkov playing for Barça, as well as wearing the captain's armband. A penalty in the opening minute was taken by the man of the night, only to be saved, though Stoichkov would tap in the rebound.

Guzmán, the Barça Legends second half goalkeeper, was quickly sent off for a reckless challenge, though it seemed to galvanise the Blaugrana who drew level thanks to a header from debutant Dani Garcia Lara in the 65th minute.

Berbatov settles it

It seemed that the game would end in a draw, but Berbatov completed his hat-trick with four minutes left to play.