A Barça full of young and unusual players succumbed on August 12 against Monaco (0-3) in the Joan Gamper Trophycoinciding with Hansi Flick’s debut, a debut in which the Catalans showed all their strengths against a Champions League rival.
Barcelona held on to a 0-0 draw in the first half, but three Defensive lapses in the second half gave Monaco the victoryThe Blaugrana had strung together eleven consecutive victories in their trophy and the last major defeat in the Gamper was the 1-4 that Valencia achieved in 1994.
Direct football, verticality, high pressure, a defence situated on the midfield line and little creation. This is the script that Hansi Flick’s Barça showed today, with a starting eleven with many young playersan experimental core directed by Marc Bernal, with two other young people: Marc Casadó and Pablo Torre as interiors.
Beyond that, the first line-up at Montjuïc featured the forward Pau Víctor, one of the two signings made so far, who formed an attacking trio with Lewandowski and Raphinha, who was the best for many minutes.
And the declaration of intent was reflected in the first action of the match, in the first minute of play. In a steal by Raphinha and a cross from the Brazilian to the far post, where Pau Victor, alone, did not take advantage to kiss the saint in his debut.
While Barça’s gas lasted, the Blaugrana had a chance against a rival that also played direct football, supported by the physicality of its midfield and the speed of its forwards.
Flick, from the sidelines, on the edge of the goal line, corrected, observed and supported his players.The second option, more or less clear, was a header by Íñigo Martínez after a corner kick (minute 12), and then little else.
A Lewandowski shot, well-centered, and a goal disallowed for Raphinha after a clear offside (minute 37). In the last twenty minutes of the first half, Monaco felt more comfortable, freed from the pressure of Barça, and had more presence in the opposition half, but only had a couple of approaches and little else.
Flick brought on Gundogan for Pablo Torre after the break, but the second half started in the worst possible way. Marc Bernal lost his way on the edge of his own area, Camara got ahead and scored the 0-1 in the 50th minute.
Curiously, the Monaco goal suited Barça well, but it was the fizzy drink effect. It dissipated very quickly and seven minutes later, in Monaco’s next attempt, they made it 0-2, with a through ball that Embolo decided on in front of Ter Stegen.
Lamine Yamal made his debut in the 67th minute. Ferran Torres and Héctor Fort also came into play. Lamine’s magic activated the attacking football of the Blaugrana, who had the 1-2 thanks to a great through ball to Pau Víctor who again missed an unbeatable opportunity.
But the match was not continuous, between physical problems (Gundogan had to leave due to a split eyebrow), interruptions and substitutions, there was practically no football in the second half and in the 86th minute, in another defensive lapse, Mawissa made it 0-3.
With just a few days to go before the start of the League, Barça’s performance is an unknown. He had a good showing on the American tour, but today he gave a disappointing performance and even the spectators booed his game. The next match, in Valencia, will be serious.
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