Barcelona turn on the style to beat Basel 5-2 in pre-season friendly

Barcelona opened their pre-season preparations with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Swiss side Basel on Sunday, producing a dominant attacking display after surviving a spell of pressure from their opponents.

The Catalan club’s five goals were scored by Karim Adeyemi, Hamza Abdelkarim and Lamine Yamal, while Besio added two more.

Barcelona started brightly and quickly established control of the match. Within the opening 10 minutes, they threatened through both wings, with Gordon and Adeyemi creating dangerous opportunities.

Espart also went close when he tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area, although his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Basel gradually reduced the danger posed by the visitors and began to find more space in attack. They came close to taking the lead through Aaron Malouda as Barcelona’s early authority began to fade.

However, the hosts were punished just as they appeared to be enjoying their strongest period of the game. Raphinha delivered a cross towards the far post, where Adeyemi reacted decisively and fired a left-footed shot into the net.

Barcelona should have extended their lead before half-time. Raphinha and Fermin Lopez were both presented with chances, but neither was able to convert them.

Basel made them pay almost immediately. Doukoure took advantage of a poor clearance by the Barcelona defence and struck into the net to level the score, sparking loud celebrations among the home supporters.

Yamal makes his mark

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made several changes at the interval to spread playing time among his squad. Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Besker and Hamza Abdelkarim came on, while Juan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde and Gordon moved to the substitutes’ bench. Raphinha was also switched to the left wing.

The changes had an immediate effect. Barcelona scored with their first attack of the second half, as Hamza Abdelkarim restored their lead.

That goal brought greater calm to Flick’s side, while the crowd’s attention turned towards one particular player. Lamine Yamal had received a huge ovation during the warm-up and was given an enthusiastic welcome when he entered the field in the 65th minute alongside Dani Olmo.

Pau Cubarsi, Brian Farinas, Besio and Ibrahima Tounkara were also introduced as the second half progressed.

With 10 minutes remaining, Kounde was brought down inside the penalty area and Barcelona were awarded a spot-kick. Yamal took responsibility and converted it successfully to extend the visitors’ advantage.

The supporters celebrated the goal, but Basel responded once more. They were awarded a penalty after an intervention by Farinas, and Olajigbe converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Barcelona then finished strongly, with Besio scoring twice in quick succession to complete the 5-2 victory and ensure Flick’s side began their preparations for the new season with an impressive result.