Hansi Flick begins his Barcelona reign with victory against Manchester City in a pre-season friendly match

Toni Fernandez, who recently joined Barcelona after celebrating his 16th birthday, scored a decisive left-footed goal past City’s reserve goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, securing a 4-1 win in the penalty shootout for the German manager's team.

Barcelona began their pre-season tour in the United States with this match against the four-time defending Premier League champions, who are led by former Barcelona player and coach, Pep Guardiola.

Despite an initial delay of 80 minutes due to a storm, a full house of 63,237 fans were treated to an exciting start, although both teams later substituted in reserve players.

Barcelona took an early lead in the penalty shootout, going up 3-0 thanks to a left-footed strike from Alejandro Balde, while Amar Ahmed kept Manchester City in contention by scoring against reserve goalkeeper Ander Astralaga, paving the way for the young newcomer’s pivotal moment.

Pau Victor scored the first goal for Barcelona in the 24th minute, receiving a quick through ball pass from Marc Casado and shooting with his right foot from the right side into the goal.

Nico O'Riley responded for Manchester City in the 39th minute, firing a left-footed shot from the left side after receiving a pass from Josko Gvardiol, who was making his first start on City's US tour.

Pablo Torre's goal in the second minute of first-half stoppage time gave Barcelona a 2-1 lead at half-time.

The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder received a pass from Gerard Martin on the left wing, shifted the ball to his right, and then struck a right-footed shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson and inside the left post.

Jack Grealish equalized for City in the 60th minute with an impressive fast break.

Croatian international Mateo Kovacic, making his first start on City's US tour, collected a loose ball just beyond the City box, evaded two defenders, and raced upfield before passing to English left winger Grealish, who outpaced a defender and finished with an outstanding left-footed shot from a tight angle high into the goal.

Barcelona will continue their US tour with pre-season matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan.

City, who lost earlier US matches to Celtic and AC Milan, will close the US tour by facing Chelsea on Saturday at Columbus, Ohio.