Barcelona headed to Italy for the next stage in their pre-season preparations, and on this occasion, they would be playing 45 minutes against Nottingham Forest before another 45 against Udinese, in the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup.
Not since the 2005/06 Champions League group stage had the Catalans faced the Serie A outfit, and the last time Barca had lined up against Forest came all the way back in the 1980 UEFA Super Cup.
Udinese faced the Premier League club in the first of the three matches
in this triangular tournament, before Hansi Flick’s men took centre stage.
Let’s take a look at three talking points from Saturday evening’s action…
Adeyemi takes his chance
Karim Adeyemi had a slow-wish start to his Barça career against Birmingham City last week, but he was much better this time around.
Hansi Flick gave the German winger 75 total mintutes across both matches on Saturday, and Adeyemi took his chance and showed plenty of good things.
He wasn’t perfect and had some poor touches and a few moments of indecision, but the direct approach, the electric pace and the aggressive attacking style were all there.
Adeyemi wasn’t brought in to be a starter and he’ll very much be second choice to Lamine Yamal and a backup in the other two positions in the frontline, but he’s getting used to the system and growing in confidence.
Positive signs.
Good to see Andreas Christensen back in the heart of defence
With Ronald Araujo heading to Liverpool, it makes the full-time return of Andreas Christensen even more timely.
The Dane has long been the unsung hero of this Barca squad, but he rarely puts a foot wrong when called upon.
Against Forest and Udinese, he remained calm and composed under pressure, invariably making the right decision during the two halves.
Will he be a first choice alongside Pau Cubarsi in 2026/27? Quite possibly. Even if Hansi Flick prefers him in reserve for the most part, what a player to bring into the fold when needed.
The consummate professional.
Encouraging showing against fitter sides
Both Forest and Udinese were further forward in their pre-season preparations than Barca, and it showed at times with the Premier League and Serie A sides quicker to the ball in moments.
That said, Barca’s players more than held their own for long periods, passing the ball well and keeping their opponents at bay for long periods.
That has to be an encouraging sign for Flick as the World Cup participants return to training this week and things begin to ramp up ahead of the new season.
