Madrid  - Barcelona lost 1-0 at home to defensive Manchester City, in a high-profile friendly, despite Wednesday's long-awaited debut of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish striker, who has been unable to play since joining from Inter Milan in July because of a broken left hand, came on at half-time and forced two sharp saves from City goalkeeper Shay Given.

City won thanks to a goal from Martin Petrov and some solid defensive work.

The goal came in the 28th minute. Stephen Ireland robbed a ball in midfield and set up Petrov, who broke free and scored with his trusty left foot.

From then on, Mark Hughes' team fell back in defence and soaked up the Barca pressure.

Barca coach Josep Guardiola started the game with a reserve-packed team but gradually brought on big guns like Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi.

Jonathan Dos Santos hit Given's crossbar in the 70th minute, and Messi hit the City post in injury time.

Earlier Wednesday, Barcelona held their annual club assembly, in which the budget proposed by club President Joan Laporta was ratified.

Laporta's proposal to extend the president's term from four to six years was approved. This will not affect the tenure of Laporta, who will leave the presidency in 2010, at the end of his second four-year term. (dpa)