Barcelona failed to get the results they wantҽd in their first friendly of the pre-season tour in the US as they fell 5-3 to Premier League giants Arsenal.
The Blaugrana started the game strong, with Robert Lewandowski scoring in the seventh minute only for Bukayo Saka to equalize six minutes later. Raphinha made it 2-1 in favor of Barça after 30 minutes but Kai Havertz restored the balance before half-time.
A Leandro Trossard brace in the second half kept Arsenal tight, but Ferran Torres pulled back one in the 88th minute. However, Fabio Vieira was on hand to score just a minute later, giving Barcelona a defeat. in their first game of the tour in America.
While the results were disappointing, it should be noted that this was the team’s first game on the pre-season tour, which came just days after the players suffered stomach upset.
And there are positivҽs for Xavi Hernandez after the game with Alejandro Balde impressing and his relationship with Ansu Fati in the spotlight. Ez Abde also made the most of the opportunity and impressed against Arsenal.
Speaking after the game, Barcelona coach Xavi praised Balde’s performance, saying: “Balde played an extraordinary game.”
Xavi was asked about Gavi not playing a minute that night and the coach revealҽd that the young midfielder was having fitness problems, along with Clement Lenglet.
“Gavi didn’t play due to back pɑin, Lenglet also felt uncomfortable,” he said.
The manager later spoke of the intensity of the opposition during the match, saying: “The intensity that Arsenal put out was unusual. Too many errors for a friendly match.
“I understand that everyone wants to win, but I told Arteta it was like a Champions League game. The intensity they set is too high.”
But the manager went on to emphasize that he has a lot of positivҽ things to take from the match, saying: “Regardless of the outcome, my conclusions from this match are positivҽ.”
“Today we were weak in defence. They played more games. This is our first one. We have seen positivҽ signs against a more prepared opponent,” he added.
Speaking about the performances of new signings Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu, Xavi said: “They are adjusting. Gündogan had a good game, Oriol had a good game. I think everyone was at a similar level. Fermin was very good.”
Talking about the difference between the two teams tonight, Xavi said: “Arsenal deserved to win. Speed and fitness are the main difference. We held the ball well, but we defended badly.”
Regarding Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who played with Xavi at Barcelona as a player, the 43-year-old said: “Arteta and I have had a similar career. We were both kids at Barça, and we played together. I wish him all the best and I have great respect for him.”