Yusuf Demir really arrived at FC Barcelona. On Wednesday, the ex-Rapidler appeared in the red and blue jersey of the Catalans for the first time.
Barca played the first test match of the preparation phase against third division club Gimnastic de Tarragona, celebrating a largely lackluster 4-0 win without a number of stars. The 24-year-old Albanian Rey Manaj put together a three-pack (60th, 86th, 90th / penalty), Alex Collado managed to make it 2-0 in the meantime (85th).
Demir in Messi position
Coach Ronald Koeman had quite surprised with his line-up, put Demir on the starting line-up on the right wing – the position that was mostly occupied by Lionel Messi, who is currently still without a club. Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto, Riqui Puig and Miralem Pjanic were also allowed to run right from the start.
Demir was denied a hit. Even if the unique ÖFB team kicker knew how to convince in interaction with Puig. After 45 minutes it was over for the 18-year-old. Demir was replaced by the 22-year-old Japanese Hiroki Abe.
In addition to Messi without a contract, the Barcelona squad was also missing the European Championship starters Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Martin Braithwaite, Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Jordi Alba or Clement Lenglet, as well as the newcomers Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.
