Barcelona concluded their pre season preparations with an entertaining 5-2 victory over Swiss side FC Basel at St. Jakob-Park, with new signing Karim Adeyemi and several of the club’s promising young players making a strong impression ahead of the new campaign.
Hansi Flick’s side produced an attacking display full of pace, movement and creativity, although the two goals conceded also highlighted areas the Barcelona manager will want to improve before competitive football begins.
The match was Barcelona’s final major pre season test, and Flick used the occasion to give valuable minutes to a mixture of established stars, new arrivals and young players. Barcelona had already confirmed that the friendly would take place in Basel as part of their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
The visitors started with plenty of attacking intent and eventually broke the deadlock through Karim Adeyemi.
The German forward, one of Barcelona’s notable new additions, produced an encouraging performance on his first appearance for the club. Adeyemi’s pace immediately gave Basel problems, while his willingness to attack space provided Barcelona with a different dimension in the final third.
After taking the lead, Barcelona were briefly punished by Basel, who managed to respond and bring themselves back into the contest.
The Swiss side showed that they were not simply going to allow Barcelona to dominate the afternoon, exploiting defensive gaps and eventually finding an equaliser.
Barcelona, however, responded quickly.
Abdelkarim Hamza restored the Catalan side’s advantage, scoring his third goal of pre season. The Egyptian youngster reacted intelligently inside the penalty area to finish the opportunity and once again demonstrated why his performances during the summer have attracted attention.
Hamza’s goal was particularly significant because Barcelona continue to assess their options in attack. With the club still looking for the right balance in the forward line, the youngster has used pre season to show that he can provide another option when called upon.
Barcelona continued to create opportunities as the game opened up, but Basel remained dangerous and managed to score again, leaving the teams level at 2-2 at one stage.
Rather than allowing the setback to affect them, Barcelona increased the tempo.
Lamine Yamal then produced another moment of quality, contributing to Barcelona’s attacking surge and finding the net from the penalty spot. The teenager once again demonstrated the confidence that has made him one of the most exciting young players in world football.
Yamal’s performance was not simply about his goal. He repeatedly attempted to take defenders on, combined effectively with his teammates and helped Barcelona stretch Basel’s defensive structure.
The biggest individual story of the second half, however, belonged to Jesse Bisiwu.
The young Belgian attacker scored twice to put the result beyond doubt and complete an outstanding personal performance. His first goal gave Barcelona the momentum they needed, before he added another to complete the 5-2 victory.
Bisiwu’s brace was particularly impressive because the match represented an important opportunity for the youngster to demonstrate his qualities in front of Flick. His finishing and movement provided Barcelona with another positive development from the pre season.
The final scoreline therefore reflected Barcelona’s attacking superiority, but it also told another story.
Conceding two goals against Basel will give Flick something to consider. Barcelona’s high intensity style requires concentration and discipline, particularly when possession is lost. Against stronger opponents in La Liga and the Champions League, defensive mistakes could carry greater consequences.
Still, the overall performance provided considerably more positives than negatives.
Adeyemi showed his attacking potential, Hamza continued his scoring run, Yamal remained influential and Bisiwu emerged as one of the unexpected stars of the afternoon.
Barcelona also demonstrated the depth of their squad. Flick was able to rotate his players while maintaining an attacking threat, an important quality for a team expected to compete across several competitions this season.
The result has also increased excitement surrounding the club’s young players. Barcelona’s tradition of developing academy talent remains an important part of their identity, and performances such as Bisiwu’s brace and Hamza’s goal give Flick additional options.
For Adeyemi, meanwhile, the match represented an important first step in his Barcelona career. His pace and direct style could prove useful during the season, particularly against opponents who attempt to defend with a high line.
The victory at Basel brings Barcelona’s pre season preparations to a close on a positive note.
The Catalan giants will now turn their attention towards the Joan Gamper Trophy against Al Ahly, before beginning their La Liga campaign against Elche.
Flick will know that friendly victories count for little once the competitive season begins, but the 5-2 result provides plenty of encouragement.
Barcelona have scored freely, young players are pushing for opportunities and several new faces are beginning to settle into the squad.
The real challenge now is turning that promising pre season form into consistent performances when trophies are at stake.
For now, however, Barcelona can celebrate a convincing final pre season victory.
Final Score: FC Basel 2-5 Barcelona
Barcelona goals: Karim Adeyemi, Abdelkarim Hamza, Lamine Yamal, Jesse Bisiwu (2).
