The Joan Gamper Trophy traditionally marks the beginning of the season for Barcelona, and the Catalan club showcased their readiness with a commanding 5-2 win against FC Basel in their last pre-season friendly.

The first half ended with both teams tied at 1-1. Though Barcelona created several scoring opportunities, it was Karim Adeyemi who struck first. However, Jean Doucoure leveled the match for Basel with a spectacular goal.

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Barcelona took control in the second half, with Hamza Abdelkarim giving them a lead through a decisive finish. Lamine Yamal then extended the advantage to 3-1 from the penalty spot.

Shortly after, Basel reduced the deficit to 3-2 with their own penalty, but young talent Jesse Bisiwu quickly responded with two goals in two minutes, sealing the match at 5-2 in favor of Barcelona.

Barça Universal presents three key takeaways from the thrilling encounter.

Adyemi and Gordon Impress

Anthony Gordon made his Barcelona debut. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Both new attacking signings for Barcelona, Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon, started in the match against FC Basel, with Gordon making his debut in a Barcelona jersey.

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With uncertainty surrounding Barcelona’s attack, the pair’s performance provided optimism for fans. Adeyemi, who started on the right wing, added pace and creativity to Barcelona’s offense, scoring a significant goal. His threat became more evident when he moved to the left wing, fitting seamlessly into the team’s strategy.

Gordon did not contribute directly to the scoreline but showed promise with his work rate and attacking intent. He effectively participated in the team’s pressing game, suggesting he will adjust well to the tactics the manager intends to implement for the upcoming season.

A Game of Intensity

Barcelona played an intense game against FC Basel. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick’s tactical strategy emphasizes intense pressing and swift ball recovery. The team displayed exceptional discipline and fitness, maintaining their intensity throughout the match.

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The frontline, consisting of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, embodied this energetic style, applying constant pressure on Basel. Even with substitutions, Barcelona sustained their level of intensity, indicating effective communication of the manager’s philosophy to the players.

Maintaining such energy throughout the season may prove challenging, but the team’s performance at this early stage suggests a promising outlook as the official season approaches.

Two Young Stars Shine

A notable surprise in Flick’s starting eleven was defensive midfielder Xavi Espart, who partnered with Marc Bernal in the pivot role. While many expected Bernal to shine, it was Espart who caught the eye.

The Joan Gamper Trophy is traditionally Barcelona’s curtain-raiser to the new season, and the Catalans played their final pre-season friendly ahead of that clash last night against FC Basel.

The first-half of the game was rather tight and ended with both sides level with a 1-1 scoreline. Barcelona created the better chances, but Karim Adeyemi’s opener was crossed out by a Jean Doucoure banger.

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After the break, however, Barcelona ran away with the game as Hamza Abdelkarim put them ahead with a lethal finish and Lamine Yamal made it 3-1 from the penalty spot.

Basel themselves earned a penalty soon after to make it 3-2, but young sensation Jesse Bisiwu scored twice in two minutes to put the icing on the cake and end the game with a 5-2 win.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Basel 2-5 Barcelona.

Adyemi and Gordon impress

Anthony Gordon made his Barcelona debut. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Both of Barcelona’s new attacking signings started last night against FC Basel, and while Karim Adeyemi has played in a few friendlies before, it was Anthony Gordon’s debut in a Barcelona shirt.

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At a time when Barcelona’s centre-forward and attacking situation appears to be in a grey area, the duo delivered a performance that gave reason to be optimistic and provided assurance that both signings can be impactful.

Adeyemi started down the right flank and added verticality to Barcelona’s attack with bold take-ons and dribbles. His goal was a banger and his strong ball-striking was a feature that stood out throughout the game.

Interestingly, the player looked more threatening as a creative option once he shifted to the left-flank, and Hansi Flick will value the player’s ability to come good on both flanks. In fact, last night’s clash was a clear indicator that Adeyemi can fit well into the system.

Gordon, meanwhile, did not earn any goal contributions on his debut but looked promising in attack and with his work rate. The player added to the relentless press and was confident in his take-ons.

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Most importantly, the Englishman looked comfortable in the system and it is clear that he will thrive under Hansi Flick as the season progresses.

A game of intensity

Barcelona played an intense game against FC Basel. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick’s system at Barcelona has always been about relentless pressing and winning the ball back quickly after being dispossessed. Collective defence, on that front, has been the norm.

In that sense, what the team showed last night was impeccable, both from a discipline and a fitness standpoint.

Barcelona’s players across the park appeared physically prepared to put in the difficult shift and did not slack off from pressing at any point in the game.

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For starters, the attacking lineup of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez represented the peak of that style of football as they suffocated the opponents in their own box.

Even as the substitutions rolled in later in the game, the team kept that level of intensity and fitness up, and it is clear that the manager has transmitted his ideas well to the players.

Keeping the same levels of energy up throughout the season is easier said than done, but to begin with such intensity while still in pre-season speaks volumes about what one can expect from the side once the official season kicks off.

Two young stars shine

The biggest surprise in Hansi Flick’s starting lineup last night was the defensive midfield where Xavi Espart partnered Marc Bernal in the double pivot. While most would have had their money on Bernal standing out, it was his compatriot instead.