Ibrahimovic blockbuster announces LA arrival
IN a town built on blockbuster movies, Zlatan Ibrahimovic wrote an ending beyond even the wildest dreams of Hollywood, announcing his arrival at LA Galaxy with a stunning volley and a late headed winner against Los Angeles FC.
Los Angeles were 3-1 up in the MLS fixture when Ibrahimovic, who signed last week on a free transfer after being released by Manchester United, wasted no time making his mark after coming on as a 71st-minute substitute.
His first touches led indirectly to Galaxy’s second goal before he unleashed one of his trademark long-range volleys, firing over Tyler Miller for the equaliser before ripping off his shirt to celebrate.
Not content with that, the 36-year-old threw all he had into a brave header to steal all three points for his side in stoppage time, completing one of the most stunning MLS debuts ever.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi came off the bench to net a last-minute equaliser as La Liga leaders Barcelona fought back from two-goals down to draw 2-2 at Sevilla.
Franco Vazquez fired the home side into the lead after 36 minutes and there looked no way back when Colombia forward Luis Muriel added another early in the second half.
Messi, who has been carrying a hamstring problem, was sent on for the last 30 minutes before a Luis Suarez header two minutes from time set up a grandstand finish and Messi levelled matters a minute later.
Gareth Bale scored twice as Real Madrid warmed up for their Champions League clash against Juventus with a 3-0 win at struggling Las Palmas, where Cristiano Ronaldo was rested.
Real Madrid never looked in any danger as Bale fired them in front on 26 minutes before Karim Benzema converted a penalty and the Wales forward added another spot-kick in the 51st minute.
Juan Cuadrado helped Juve to a 3-1 win with a goal against AC Milan on his comeback ahead of their Real clash tomorrow. Paulo Dybala got Juve’s first with Sami Khedira adding a late third.
Elsewhere, Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich demolished the Pole’s old club Borussia Dortmund 6-0 at the Allianz Arena.