LA Galaxy 1-1 Manchester City (Pens 6-7): Balotelli & Mancini involved in bust-up as striker subbed for showboating

Manchester City’s latest pre-season preparations were overshadowed by a touchline bust-up between Roberto Mancini and Mario Balotelli as the striker was hauled off after 30 minutes for showboating.

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The Italy international had been put clean through on goal, and instead of shooting, he pivoted and attempted a backheel which rolled harmlessly wide of the post.

Mancini subsequently substituted Balotelli for James Milner and the former Inter Milan striker, who was originally blanked by his manager after coming off, protested the decision which sparked a touchline row between the pair.

Balotelli had opened the scoring for City via the penalty spot after Micah Richards was fouled in the area by Bryan Jordan. The defender limped out of the challenge but was able to shake off his knock.

LA Galaxy struggled to find any rhythm in the first half as Bruce Arena opted to field a lone striker, who was often found isolated. David Beckham was restricted to a left-back role as he attempted to quash the threat of the buccaneering Richards down City’s right.

David Silva, who was replaced at half-time by Shaun Wright-Phillips, was City’s brightest outlet before the break as Edin Dzeko struggled to influence in attack.

Mike Magee pulled LA Galaxy level after the interval with a stunning left-footed effort which looped over a sprawling Joe Hart. 

The MLS side continued to press for the advantage but City’s defence, which were bolstered by the introduction of summer signing Stefan Savic, held firm.

Penalties were required to separate the sides, James Milner, Vladimir Weiss, Denis Suarez, Aleksandar Kolarov all netted theirs before John Guidetti missed his spot kick to send the shootout into sudden death. 

Joleon Lescott could not capitalise on Joe Hart’s save, and after Nigel de Jong and Wright-Phillips netted, the City goalkeeper saved an LA Galaxy spot kick before converting his own penalty to seal the tie.