Flick's Barcelona Crushed in Debut
A Barcelona side full of young and less regular players succumbed to Monaco (0-3) in the Joan Gamper Trophy, coinciding with Hansi Flick's debut. It was a match in which the Catalans exposed all their weaknesses against a Champions League-level opponent.
Barcelona managed to keep the score at 0-0 during the first half, but three defensive errors in the second half allowed Monaco to secure the victory. The Catalans had won eleven consecutive editions of their trophy, with the last major defeat in the Gamper coming in 1994 against Valencia (1-4).
Direct football, verticality, high pressing, a defense positioned on the midfield line, and a lack of creativity were the hallmarks of Flick's Barcelona in this match. The starting lineup was composed of many young players, with an experimental midfield led by Marc Bernal, alongside other youngsters Marc Casadó and Pablo Torre as interior midfielders.
In the first lineup at Montjuïc, forward Pau Víctor stood out, one of the two signings made so far, forming an attacking trio with Lewandowski and Raphinha, who was the best for many minutes. The intent was clear from the first action of the match, in the opening minute, with Raphinha stealing the ball and crossing to the far post, where Pau Víctor, unmarked, failed to capitalize on his debut.
As long as Barcelona had energy, they created some chances against a Monaco side that also opted for direct football, relying on the physicality of their midfield and the speed of their forwards. Flick, on the sideline, close to the touchline, corrected, observed, and supported his players. The second clear chance was a header from Íñigo Martínez from a corner kick (12th minute), and after that, there was little else. A central shot from Lewandowski and a disallowed goal by Raphinha for a clear offside (37th minute). In the last twenty minutes of the first half, Monaco looked more comfortable, freed from Barcelona's pressure, and had more presence in the opponent's half, though they only managed a couple of close calls.
Flick brought on Gündogan for Pablo Torre after the break, but the second half began in the worst possible way. Marc Bernal lost focus on the edge of his own box, allowing Camara to put Monaco ahead 1-0 in the 50th minute. Curiously, Monaco's goal seemed to energize Barcelona, but it was a brief reaction. Seven minutes later, in Monaco's next approach, Embolo made it 2-0 with a well-placed pass and a composed finish past Ter Stegen.
Lamine Yamal made his debut in the 67th minute, and Ferran Torres and Héctor Fort also entered the field. Lamine's magic sparked some attacking football from the Catalans, who had a great chance to make it 2-1 with a brilliant through ball to Pau Víctor, who once again missed a golden opportunity.
However, the game lost momentum due to physical issues (Gündogan had to be substituted due to a cut on his eyebrow), interruptions, and substitutions, leading to a disjointed second half. In the 86th minute, after another defensive lapse, Mawissa made it 3-0.
With just a few days until LaLiga kicks off, Barcelona's performance remains uncertain. The team showed promising signs during the U.S. tour, but today they put on a disappointing display and were even booed by the fans. The next match, in Valencia, will be the real test.
