Barcelona win Match of Champions in Doha

Goals from Luiz Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar helped Barcelona beat Saudi champions Al Ahli 5-3 in a friendly in Doha on Tuesday, reported Doha Stadium Plus.

All three superstars scored by the 17th minute, helping the Spanish giants to stroll into an early three-goal lead. Perhaps more importantly, it also ensured all three could be substituted by the 32nd minute to allay any injury fears ahead of the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday.

Suarez opened the scoring with a glancing header in the eighth minute from a Messi cross, before the Argentinian quickly added a second just two minutes later.

Neymar netted a fine third with a curling shot in the 17th. Further goals from Paco Alcacer and Rafinha meant the La Liga champions were able to withstand a second-half comeback from the Saudi side.

Among the scorers for Al Alhi were 2016 AFC player of the year Omar Abdulrahman, who plays his football in the UAE but was allowed to turn out for the Saudis for the friendly.

He scored with a ‘Panenka’ penalty in the 51st minute after Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip gave away the spot-kick.

Masip was also beaten at the near post for Al-Ahli's second, scored by Muhannad Assiri.

The game was billed as the ‘Match of Champions’ and Barcelona were presented with an 18 carat gold cup afterwards, specially commissioned for the game.

Among those watching on in the 18,126 sell-out crowd was Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez, who now plays for Qatar's Al Sadd. 

Picture courtesy: Doha Stadium Plus