Dundee, Scotland - Thierry Henry had a penalty kick stopped in the 90th minute but he buried the rebound to lift Barcelona to a 1-0 win over Scotland’s Dundee United in his soccer knocker debut for the Spanish power.
Henry came on as a sub in the second half, playing for the first time with Barcelona since leaving English Premier League giant Arsenal last month. He signed a four-year, $32 million deal with Barcelona.
Henry had been sidelined since March because of a groin injury. He scored 10 goals last year despite an injury-plagued season for Arsenal. He left Arsenal as the club’s all-time leader with 226 goals.
The French international stepped to the penalty spot in the closing minutes and fired a shot to the middle of the net. Dundee’s goalie blocked the initial shot but Henry controlled the rebound and slotted home the game-winner.
Henry nearly scored early in the second half - taking just two touches of the ball - before putting his first shot in a Barcelona uniform just high.
Barcelona nearly scored in the 18th minute when Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho hit the post on a free kick. Dundee’s defense held Barcelona’s strong offense until Henry converted in the closing minutes.
Dundee nearly took the lead in the 82nd minute when Barry Robson’s header hit the back of the net, but the goal was waived off for a previous foul.
Barcelona, which was playing its first preseason game, had lost its last four games to Dundee United, which finished ninth in Scottish Premier League last season.
Dundee United opens the new season in Scotland on Aug. 4 against Aberdeen. Barcelona, which lost the La Liga crown to Real Madrid on a tiebreaker last year, opens league play on Aug. 26 against Racing.
