Arsenal made an emphatic statement before the new season by beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield in Cardiff, while Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly set to join Barcelona.
The Premier League champions produced a dominant display to claim the traditional season curtain-raiser, with Martin Odegaard saying the result reminded everyone of Arsenal’s quality.
Rodri’s expected move was reported by Fabrizio Romano, who said: “Here we go! Rodri set to join Barcelona from Man City”. The transfer would take the midfielder from Manchester City to the Catalan club.
Romano also reported that Joao Cancelo is returning to Barcelona, with an agreement already completed.
Barcelona followed their transfer news with a pre-season victory, beating Basel 5-2. Adeyemi and Yamal scored for the Spanish side, while Bisiwu netted twice in the friendly win.
Real Madrid ended their preparations with a 3-0 victory over Schalke. Mbappe, Huijsen and Espi were on target in the club’s final friendly before the competitive campaign begins.
Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, lost 1-0 to 10-man Lens in the Trophee des Champions. Florian Thauvin scored in the first half to secure the trophy for Lens, despite the side playing with 10 men.
Liverpool completed their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Como at Anfield. Gakpo and Jacquet scored, with Jeremy Jacquet described as the standout performer as Liverpool secured a confidence-boosting result. The match also marked Araujo’s debut for the Reds.
In Major League Soccer, Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC beat Inter Miami 4-1 on Saturday. Lionel Messi missed his third consecutive penalty as Inter Miami suffered a heavy defeat against their conference rivals.
Away from the weekend’s matches, a former Swansea City ballboy who was kicked by Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is preparing to sell his vodka empire for £500m. The proposed sale comes 13 years after the incident that made him widely known.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire wants the club to do everything possible to retain Marcus Rashford. Maguire described the England international as a “huge threat” as uncertainty continues over his future.
Jose Mourinho praised Real Madrid’s progress after their final pre-season match, saying the team are “growing as a team” following their 3-0 win against Schalke.
Cristiano Ronaldo also offered another indication that his playing career could be nearing its end. The forward said this season will “probably” be his last in football.
Ruben Amorim said it was “special” to face former club Manchester United, but added that he now feels “nothing” for them after beginning work with AC Milan.
Hansi Flick admitted Barcelona could still be “missing something” despite their strong pre-season victory, with the club preparing for their LaLiga curtain-opener.
Manchester City must now address their performance against Arsenal. Enzo Maresca said the club have “many things to work on” after their Community Shield thrashing.
Michael Carrick also criticised Manchester United’s display against AC Milan. After United ended pre-season with a disappointing performance on Saturday, Carrick said there were “no excuses” for the team’s showing.
