Barcelona Concludes Pre-Season with 5-2 Victory Over Basel
Barcelona finished their pre-season on a high note, delivering a convincing 5-2 win against Basel at St Jakob-Park. The match showcased the attacking capabilities of the club’s new signings and young talents, despite some noticeable defensive shortcomings.
With the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy against Al-Ahly next up, several players stood out in the encounter.
Jesse Bisiwu Shines on Debut
The standout performer was Jesse Bisiwu, who made a remarkable impact on his Barcelona debut with two late goals. The 18-year-old, recently signed from Club Brugge, first scored with a powerful strike into the top corner after receiving a pass from Dani Olmo. He later tapped in a cross from Lamine Yamal, putting the finishing touches on a stellar performance that delighted coach Hansi Flick.
Karim Adeyemi Impresses
Summer acquisition Karim Adeyemi also left his mark during the match, contributing a goal and an assist. The former Borussia Dortmund player opened the scoring in the first half with a composed finish following a good run and a well-placed pass from Raphinha. In the second half, he provided an assist for Hamza Abdelkarim, demonstrating his attacking prowess alongside fellow new recruit Anthony Gordon, who made his debut.
Lamine Yamal Makes Quick Impact
Another young talent, Lamine Yamal, entered the match around the hour mark and quickly influenced the game. He converted a penalty after a foul on Jules Koundé, restoring a two-goal lead for Barcelona, and then assisted Bisiwu’s second goal. His performance highlighted his potential as he contributed significantly in a short span of time.
Hamza Abdelkarim Receives Recognition
Young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim also made a noteworthy contribution, scoring Barcelona’s second goal. Showing sharp instincts, he redirected Adeyemi’s cross into the net, reinforcing his place in the team’s attacking lineup.
Overall, Barcelona’s attackers performed well, yet the two goals conceded to Basel signal a need for improvement in defense as the team prepares for the LaLiga opener against Elche.
Barcelona wrapped up their pre-season with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Basel at St Jakob-Park, showcasing the attacking quality of their new arrivals.
Hansi Flick’s side ran riot in Switzerland, with the new signings and youngsters catching the eye, even if there were a few defensive lapses to work on.
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With the Joan Gamper Trophy against Al-Ahly next up before the competitive season begins, here are three players who stood out.
Jesse Bisiwu
The star of the show was undoubtedly Jesse Bisiwu, who marked his Barcelona bow with a stunning brace in the final minutes.
The 18-year-old, recently arrived from Club Brugge, first latched onto a pass from Dani Olmo to fire a thunderous effort into the top corner, before tapping in a Lamine Yamal cutback moments later to complete the rout.
It was a dream debut for the young Belgian, and exactly the kind of impact that will have delighted Flick as he assesses his emerging talents.
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Adeyemi impressed vs Basel. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Summer signing Karim Adeyemi continued his encouraging pre-season with a goal and an assist against Basel.
The former Borussia Dortmund man opened the scoring in the first half, finishing coolly after a brilliant run and pass from Raphinha. He then turned provider in the second period, setting up Hamza Abdelkarim for Barcelona’s second.
Alongside fellow new arrival Anthony Gordon, who was making his debut, Adeyemi was a constant menace in attack, rotating fluidly across the front line and offering a glimpse of the firepower Barcelona have added this summer.
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Lamine Yamal
Introduced around the hour mark alongside Olmo and Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal needed little time to make his mark.
The teenager calmly converted a penalty after Kounde was fouled to restore Barcelona’s two-goal cushion, before turning creator to tee up Bisiwu’s second.
His introduction lifted the entire side, and even in limited minutes, Lamine reminded everyone of the class he possesses ahead of the new campaign.
Yamal made an instant impact after coming on. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Honourable mention: Hamza Abdelkarim
The young Egyptian striker also deserves credit, getting on the scoresheet with Barcelona’s second.
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Attacking the far post, Abdelkarim showed sharp instincts to divert Adeyemi’s cross into the net. It was a promising contribution from the forward, who continues to stake his claim for minutes in a reshaped attack.
Overall, it was a productive afternoon, with his attacking options firing and his young players stepping up, though the defensive frailties that allowed Basel two goals will need addressing before the LaLiga opener against Elche.
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