Barcelona delivered an emphatic statement of intent in their penultimate pre-season outing, sweeping aside Swiss side FC Basel 5-2 at St. Jakob-Park on Sunday afternoon to continue their preparations for the upcoming La Liga campaign.

Hansi Flick's side were in full control throughout, showcasing a dynamic and positionally fluid attack that overwhelmed the Basel defence. Goals from summer signings Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu — their first in Blaugrana colours — were complemented by strikes from teenager Hamza Abdelkarim and Lamine Yamal, with Bisiwu adding a second to complete a memorable brace off the bench.

Adeyemi opens his Barcelona account

Adeyemi, afforded a starting berth by Flick, kicked off the goalscoring with a composed left-footed finish inside the box following a fine assist from Raphinha. After picking up a position at the back post, the summer addition showcased a stellar combination of touch, composure and finishing to lash home with his trusty left foot.

Basel drew level before the break through Doucouré, who capitalised on a poor defensive breakdown from the Catalan side. But Barça had plenty to be excited about at half-time: they were quick, sharp, creative and really fluid in attack.

Abdelkarim and Yamal extend the lead

Flick made four changes at the interval, and one of the introductions — Hamza Abdelkarim — needed just four minutes to make his mark. The youngster scored with his first touch, producing an instinctive striker's finish after a cross from Adeyemi to restore Barcelona's lead.

Lamine Yamal, making his first pre-season appearance along with Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsí, got on the scoresheet with a confidently dispatched penalty after Kounde was taken out in the box with 10 minutes remaining. Basel were handed a penalty of their own shortly afterwards when a clear dive somehow fooled the referee, with Olaigbe converting to make it 3-2.

Bisiwu steals the show

The dying minutes belonged to Jesse Bisiwu. Introduced as a substitute, the young Belgian winger first conjured up a moment of individual brilliance, curling a stunning effort into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area. Moments later, Lamine Yamal won the ball inside the Basel box and squared for Bisiwu to slot home from close range, completing a memorable brace and rounding off the 5-2 scoreline.

Gordon impresses on the wing

Anthony Gordon was another who caught the eye in Switzerland. The England international's energetic and positive running were a constant feature, and his purpose was crystal clear every time he got the ball. His directness and pace saw him beat his marker repeatedly, while he was also willing to track back and win possession when required. Flick could hardly have asked for more from the winger.

Raphinha, deployed as a false nine, also looked sharp, though he was unable to find the net himself despite several good chances. The attack was notably more fluid and tactically different than what has been seen during Flick's first two seasons, raising the possibility that the need for a number nine might not be quite as urgent as previously thought.

Looking ahead

Barcelona now head home for the Joan Gamper Trophy against Al Ahly on Wednesday, before travelling to Elche on Sunday to begin the defence of their La Liga crown. Flick described the Basel match as "a good test" and confirmed the focus has already shifted to the season opener.

"It's been a good test for us, we're already thinking about the debut against Elche," the German coach said. "It's not an easy management, there are many players who have joined recently."