Barca's second-half surge buries New York, 4:1
August 12, 2006 (Official Game Summary)

1:4
New York Barcelona
Djorkaeff Ronaldinho 2
Messi
Saviola
08.12.06 · Friendly

In front of a sellout crowd of 79,002 -- just three fewer than the all-time attendance record for a soccer game at Giants Stadium -- a brace by two-time reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho and strikes by Lionel Messi and Javier Saviola lifted UEFA Champions League winner FC Barcelona past the New York Red Bulls, 4-1, Saturday night.

Midfielder Youri Djorkaeff, who made his return to the squad after missing time due to personal reasons, tallied the Red Bulls' goal in the first half after Ronaldinho opened the game's scoring.

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the first half, but Ronaldinho drew first blood after New York defender Marvell Wynne took down Samuel Eto'o in the box in the 13th minute. Despite Meola getting a paw on the penalty, Ronaldinho converted, giving the La Liga champions the early lead.

However, the Red Bulls answered 15 minutes later. Dema Kovalenko stripped Ronaldinho of the ball and slid it to Edson Buddle, whose shot right of goal was deflected. An on-rushing Djorkaeff though, was there to poke it in from close range.

Barcelona started to pull away just five minutes into the second half. Messi was able to get free on the right wing and lofted a cross to Ronaldinho, who was able to tap it home. Eleven minutes later, Messi was sprung through into the penalty box by Eidur Gudjohnsen, with only Jon Conway to beat, as he dribbled past the goaltender and slid it in. Saviola closed the game's scoring just a few minutes from full time.

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