Barcelona live ‘life’ without Messi who has left, but they are able to slaughter Ronaldo’s Juve.
Barcelona proves that they are still worthy of being reckoned with even though they can no longer rely on the services of Lionel Messi from the 2021/22 season.
After holding a press conference session for his legend’s farewell on Sunday (8/8) afternoon local time, Barca immediately practiced against Juventus, reinforced by Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Joan Gamper Trophy in the evening.
Playing at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, Ronald Koeman’s home team took a quick lead in the third minute through new recruit Memphis Depay. The Netherlands international finished off Yusuf Demir’s left-footed pass and beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny from close range.
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In the remaining minutes of the first half, no other goals were created as Juve chose to replace half of its strength into the second half, including pulling off Ronaldo, who was replaced by Dejan Kulusevski.
Barcelona added to their lead with three minutes into the game, and this time it was striker Martin Braithwaite who got his name on the scoresheet. The Dane headed home from Depay to outwit goalkeeper Mattia Perin, who came on for Szczesny.
Perin’s goal fell again late in the second half after substitute Riqui Puig hit a spectacular left-footed spin from outside the box. Barca also won 3-0 and claimed the Joan Gamper Trophy in the 2021 edition.
As is known, this match is an annual friendly match held by Barca in August, before the start of the LaLiga season, where they are the best team from Europe against them.
