Recent football match news suggest that Barcelona, the powerhouse of LaLiga, is gearing up for an exciting December friendly against Mexican giants Club América. The highly-anticipated match is set to take place at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl on December 21, marking Barcelona’s last game before their winter break.
Unique December Friendly for Barcelona
This encounter holds special significance as it will be only the second time that Barcelona participates in a friendly during the December window. The previous instance was on December 14, 2021, when the club paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona by playing Boca Juniors in Saudi Arabia.
Sources revealed that the coaching staff, led by Coach Xavi Hernandez, evaluated a proposed friendly in the U.S. for either December 21 or 22. Coach Xavi, recognizing the club’s financial needs, expressed openness to these dates. Barcelona’s commitment to revenue generation through friendlies aligns with their global appeal and fan engagement.
Barcelona is no stranger to the Cotton Bowl stadium, having played Juventus in a friendly at the 90,000-capacity venue during the summer of 2022. The upcoming match against Club América is expected to draw significant attention, with fans eager to witness the clash of these football titans.
Beyond the thrill of the game, Barcelona has announced a commendable initiative tied to the friendly. Proceeds from the match will be dedicated to raising funds for the victims of Hurricane Otis, which recently struck Acapulco, causing significant damage and claiming lives.
América’s Strong Presence and Philanthropic Cause
Club América, boasting more Liga MX titles than any other club, adds an extra layer of competition to this friendly. With former Barça midfielder Jonathan dos Santos in their ranks, América has secured the top spot in the 2023 Apertura standings, demonstrating their prowess on the field.
In a heartwarming moment, days after being released by kidnappers, the father of Colombia striker Luis Díaz witnessed his son’s remarkable performance. Luis Díaz scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match. The emotional scenes in the stadium, with Luis Manuel Díaz celebrating in tears, captured the resilience and triumph beyond the football pitch.
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, also a teammate of Díaz at Liverpool, acknowledged the emotional significance of Díaz’s performance: “He is a friend; he suffered a lot these days. This is beyond soccer; he deserves it.”
The announcement of the friendly in Dallas reinforces Barcelona’s commitment to engaging with their global fanbase and contributing to charitable causes. As football transcends borders, these international friendlies not only showcase top-tier talent but also serve as platforms for goodwill and community support.
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