Barnsley were well beaten in Manchester this evening as the Premier League title holders showed their class.
It was a friendly encounter which began in typically tame fashion as neither side looked too energetic in the opening 20 minutes, and the Reds were arguably looking the most likely in terms of creating something in that period.
Austrian forward Dominik Frieser went closest after just six minutes when after great link-up between Carlton Morris and Cauley Woodrow, the former LASK man hit a first-time effort low which took a deflection and went behind.
The hosts grew into things however, and after previous warning signs, they did manage to free Algerian star Riyad Mahrez down the right with 23 minutes played and his low cross was inch-perfect for Sam Edozie to tap-in from six yards.
Just seven minutes later and a carbon copy goal for City. Mahrez again is sent away down the right and his cross once more is pinpoint, this time steered home from close range by Ben Knight.
And to cap off that 10 minute burst, the champions of England saw Benjamin Mendy pick out Mahrez with a wonderful diagonal ball and on the volley, the African maestro stroked home low and hard, first-time from 15 yards out for 3-0.
It ought to have been four before the break but having been upended in the box by Woodrow, City youngster Cole Palmer took the spot-kick himself but then saw Reds' stopper Brad Collins make a terrific save low down to his left.
There was a curling Morris effort that flew a foot wide on the stroke of half-time, but it had been a tough first 45 for Markus Schopp's men.
Collins was alert to thwart the hosts with a double save early into the second period, as Mahrez and sub Morgan Rodgers threatened to extend their lead. Before Woodrow tested home 'keeper Zack Steffen with a speculative effort from 30 yards.
But on 70 minutes the fourth goal finally arrived, and again, that man Mahrez was the tormentor, as his diagonal ball to the far post was headed back across goal and eventually the ball was turned home by Nathan Ake.
A testing night for the Reds against world-class opposition, as we now head into the 21/22 season.
FULL-TIME: Manchester City 4-0 Barnsley
Collins, Brittain (Miller), Moon (Sibbick), Helik, Kitching, Oduor (B.Williams), Styles, Palmer (Benson), Woodrow, Morris (Thompson), Frieser (Ritzmaier).
