Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona performed their closing pre-season pleasant on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday night with the hosts profitable 4-2.
Barcelona are actually with out their well-known Camp Nou stadium, Spurs with out Harry Kane.
The north London aspect didn’t miss their talisman early within the recreation although, with midfielder Oliver Skipp scoring twice within the first half to nullify Robert Lewandowski’s opener within the third minute.
But three targets in 12 minutes from Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Abde Ezzalzouli secured a memorable comeback for the house aspect as Ange Postecoglou’s aspect pale to a disappointing defeat.
Here, Mail Sport’s Pete Jenson takes you thru 10 issues we discovered as Xavi took on Postecoglou forward of this weekend’s large kick-off in each LaLiga and the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou’s (left) aspect conceded three targets in 12 minutes in a 4-2 defeat to Barcelona
Lamine Yamal (second from left) got here off the bench to stage a memorable comeback late within the recreation
Oliver Skipp had scored twice within the first half to provide the Premier League group the lead at half time
Skipp shines in illustrious firm
He took on Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, however the 22-year-old was the person of the primary half with two targets and a strong efficiency.
His second was particularly spectacular. He left De Jong behind with a strong run and despatched the header previous the most effective goalkeepers on this planet.
Frustrating missed alternative for Richarlison
When the Brazilian attacker was unintentionally knocked over by the referee simply earlier than half-time, his first 45 minutes have been summed up.
He wished to shine in Kane’s absence and struggled to impress the Barcelona defence.
He was brighter after the restart with a intelligent spin and shot simply over, however appears unable to fill the captain’s boots when wanted.
Richarlison struggled to impress whereas on the entrance for the absent Harry Kane
Lamine Yamal might be each bit pretty much as good because the hype
Youngsters represented by Jorge Mendes accelerated to the primary group – we’ve seen all of it earlier than, however Yamal appears really particular.
He destroyed Tottenham late to arrange the equalizer for Ferran Torres and the winner for Ansu Fati.
And he simply turned 16 final month.
The younger striker – who made his debut in April aged 15 – destroyed Tottenham after coming off the bench
Barcelona want a proper again
Both of Tottenham’s targets within the first half fell to their proper.
Central defender Ronald Araujo was misplaced there and when he was injured within the first half, Sergio Robert changed him, reminding everybody that he stays a midfielder.
No surprise Xavi desires Joao Cancelo.
Lewandowski won’t ever change
It was his first contact and he buried Raphinha’s cross previous Vicario to provide Barcelona the early lead.
He then arrange the Brazilian winger for what ought to have been the second objective. At 34, he recollects why Kane’s age doesn’t deter Bayern Munich.
Robert Lewandowski scored after simply three minutes along with his first contact
Spurs fullbacks will wrestle in a again 4
The well-known defensive vulnerabilities have been current as Pedro Porro and Sergio Reguilon have been put to the check by Barcelona.
Both regarded a lot happier sooner or later. Two aspiring fullbacks in a back-four is not going to work for Tottenham Hotspur this season.
Home handicap for Barcelona this season
The imposing Camp Nou intimidated; the town’s outdated Olympic stadium ‘Lluís Companys’ is not going to.
It is an athletics area and the spectators behind each targets are a great distance from the motion.
The plain grey seats give it a impartial look and excessive up on the town’s ‘Montjuic’ hill it’s an open area – Barcelona supporters do nicely to generate a sound that stays within the floor and will get by means of to the gamers.
The Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys is an athletics area and spectators behind each targets are a great distance from the motion
And Xavi is aware of it’s going to be powerful
“With the stadium change, it’s not a typical season and we need you more than ever,” he mentioned in his conventional pre-match speech to the spectators.
The stadium was half empty as he spoke. In any case, they hope to fill the brand new floor as soon as the season begins.
That’s greater than they managed in opposition to Spurs with simply over 35,000 within the 49,000 seat area.
Good showcase for Davinson Sanchez
Several last-ditch challenges to maintain Barcelona at bay have been the highlights, because the Colombian carried out nicely in opposition to the Spanish champions.
Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez put in a number of final ditch challenges in a formidable show
One of these goal-saving challenges got here to make amends for his personal mistake, however it was a robust efficiency from a participant who was prone to go away earlier than the deadline.
That being mentioned…
No surprise Postecoglou has signed a central defender and desires one other.
The approach Tottenham have been ripped aside on the finish was a reminder that Micky van de Ven is a welcome addition and if he’s not final after which within the heart of protection all the higher.