Barcelona thrash Basel 5-2 as Yamal returns with goal and assist and new signings shine
Barcelona light up Basel in five-goal preseason rout
FC Barcelona rang in the new campaign with a statement 5-2 win over FC Basel at the Sankt Jakob-Park, with Hansi Flick's refreshed squad putting on a show in Switzerland. The Blaugrana ran riot in the second period, with new faces and returning stars all getting on the scoresheet.
Adeyemi opens account on first start
German forward Adeyemi scored the first of Barcelona's five goals on his first start for the club, marking an immediate impact after his arrival. The summer signing was one of several newcomers to catch the eye as Flick rotated heavily across the 90 minutes.
Yamal returns with a goal and an assist
Lamine Yamal made a welcome return to action and was directly involved in two of the goals, scoring once and laying on an assist as Barcelona pulled away. His creativity on the flank continues to be a defining feature of the side's attacking play.
Bisiwu's late brace seals the rout
Belgian Bisiwu came off the bench to devastating effect, netting a speedy brace late in the game to round out the scoring and underline the depth Flick now has at his disposal. Alongside Adeyemi's opener and Yamal's contribution, the bench made the difference.
Gordon makes his debut
English winger Anthony Gordon completed his first 45 minutes as a Blaugrana, offering glimpses of his strength and pace in a promising half of football. The cameo will have encouraged both player and coaching staff ahead of the competitive schedule.
Flick: 'A good test and a good result'
The Barcelona coach was satisfied with what he saw, telling reporters: "A good test and a good result." New boy Adeyemi also reacted to the big win, with both player and manager striking an upbeat tone after a convincing evening's work in Switzerland.
All the action from the preseason friendly is now being pored over by Flick's staff, with the performance providing a timely boost ahead of the season's opening fixtures.