Barcelona headed to Italy for the following stage of their pre-season preparations, and on this event, they’d be taking part in 45 minutes in opposition to Nottingham Forest earlier than one other 45 in opposition to Udinese, within the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup.
Not for the reason that 2005/06 Champions League group stage had the Catalans confronted the Serie A outfit, and the final time Barca had lined up in opposition to Forest got here all the best way again within the 1980 UEFA Tremendous Cup.
Udinese confronted the Premier League membership within the first of the three matches on this triangular event, earlier than Hansi Flick’s males took centre stage.
Let’s check out three speaking factors from Saturday night’s motion…
Karim Adeyemi had a slow-wish begin to his Barça profession in opposition to Birmingham Metropolis final week, however he was significantly better this time round.
Hansi Flick gave the German winger 75 whole mintutes throughout each matches on Saturday, and Adeyemi took his probability and confirmed loads of good issues.
He wasn’t excellent and had some poor touches and some moments of indecision, however the direct strategy, the electrical tempo and the aggressive attacking fashion have been all there.
Adeyemi wasn’t introduced in to be a starter and he’ll very a lot be second option to Lamine Yamal and a backup within the different two positions within the frontline, however he’s getting used to the system and rising in confidence.
Good to see Andreas Christensen again within the coronary heart of defence
With Ronald Araujo heading to Liverpool, it makes the full-time return of Andreas Christensen much more well timed.
The Dane has lengthy been the unsung hero of this Barca squad, however he not often places a foot mistaken when referred to as upon.
In opposition to Forest and Udinese, he remained calm and composed beneath stress, invariably making the appropriate determination through the two halves.
Will he be a primary alternative alongside Pau Cubarsi in 2026/27? Fairly presumably. Even when Hansi Flick prefers him in reserve for probably the most half, what a participant to deliver into the fold when wanted.
The consummate skilled.
Encouraging displaying in opposition to fitter sides
Each Forest and Udinese have been additional ahead of their pre-season preparations than Barca, and it confirmed at instances with the Premier League and Serie A sides faster to the ball in moments.
That stated, Barca’s gamers greater than held their very own for lengthy intervals, passing the ball nicely and maintaining their opponents at bay for lengthy intervals.
That needs to be an encouraging signal for Flick because the World Cup contributors return to coaching this week and issues start to ramp up forward of the brand new season.
