Barcelona welcomed Brazilian outfit Santos to the Camp Nou on Friday in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
It did not take long for Barcelona to exert their dominance, with Lionel Messi opening the scoring with eight minutes on the clock.
It was 2-0 moments later when Leo could only turn into his own net, before goals from Alexis Sanchez and Pedro left Barcelona 4-0 ahead at the interval.
Neymar was introduced against his former club at the interval, but it was another substitute, Cesc Fabregas, that added their fifth in the early stages of the half.
Fabregas was again on target after 68 minutes, before Adriano made it 7-0 with 15 minutes remaining. There was time for number eight, however, with Jean Marie Dongou tapping home from close range late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Barcelona continue their build-up to the new La Liga campaign as the Spanish outfit host Santos in the Joan Gamper Trophy. As mentioned, it will be an emotional night for Barcelona forward Neymar, who departed Santos this summer. The 21-year-old will be keen to put on a show at the Camp Nou that is for certain.
Neymar did make his debut for the Catalan side on Tuesday evening against Lechia Gdansk, but it was not a winning start for the Brazilian as Barcelona drew 2-2 with the Polish outfit. It may only be pre-season, but Barcelona have looked slightly leggy thus far, although they did record a thumping 7-0 win over Valerenga on July 27.
Neymar spoke to reporters at a pre-match press conference yesterday, where the Brazilian admitted his excitement at the season ahead. He told the Spanish media: “I’m trying to adapt to Barcelona's style of play as quickly as I can. I'm excited by all the competitions - I want to win everything.”
He added: "I don't have to change my style. I have to continue learning and evolving but stay true to myself. I'd like to score against Santos. I've been thinking about how to celebrate it and it will be a special one.” Let’s hope that we can see this “special” celebration this evening. He just has to score against his former club doesn’t he.
It is difficult to criticise Barcelona’s performances last season after they stormed to the Spanish title, but they were utterly taken apart by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Tito Vilanova has been forced to step down due to illness, but new boss Gerardo Martino will know what is expected this season, there is no question about that. The supporters will want a clean sweep.
Barcelona returned from their summer break with a clash against Bayern Munich on July 24. They were beaten 2-0 by the German outfit in the pre-season meeting, although Barcelona were without a number of their first-team players, while Bayern were almost at full strength. If anything, the Spanish side’s youngsters showed that there is certainly a bright future with a mature display.
As mentioned, their next pre-season fixture pitted them against Valerenga. In truth, it was a walk in the park as they thrashed the Norwegian team 7-0. Looking ahead for a moment, following this match, Barcelona will face Thailand in a friendly on August 7, before facing a Malaysia XI three days later.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Neymar does not start for Barcelona this evening, but the Brazilian is on the bench. There are spots for Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, however, with the trio operating behind a front three of Pedro, Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi. We are just awaiting confirmation of the Santos team news.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Ineista; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez
SANTOS: To follow.
It seems like the season ended just yesterday, but Barcelona return to league action on August 19 against Levante. Just a quick note that the kickoff time for that match has been set for 6pm (7pm local time) and you can indeed follow live coverage of that with us at Sports Mole. The first leg of the Spanish Super Cup follows with a fixture against Copa del Rey winners Atletico Madrid.
Of course, there is another side playing this evening. The last time Santos faced Barcelona was in the final of the World Club Championship in 2011. In truth, it was just about as one sided as you could possibly imagine as the Spanish outfit ran out 4-0 winners courtesy of a brace from Lionel Messi and goals from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas.
Santos will also be ahead in terms of match fitness this evening with the Brazilian season already underway. It proved to be a disappointing 2012 campaign for the club as they finished eighth in the Brasileirao. In truth, they haven’t made the greatest of starts to this season, with 12 points from nine games leaving them in 12th position in the table.
They have been in good form in recent weeks, however, with four wins from their last seven games in all competitions. They had been due to face Internacional, who boast the much-coveted Leandro Damiao in their ranks, on Thursday, but that fixture was postponed due to their trip to the Camp Nou. It is certainly a big occasion for the Brazilian side this evening.
Santos may have lost their star player this summer, but the transfer figure they received will provide a healthy injection into the club. It isn’t as if Brazilian football is short of money at the moment, but they will now be able to reinvest in the squad. Santos wasn’t just about Neymar, however, with the Brazilian outfit having a number of impressive youngsters in their ranks.
Young strikers Victor Andrade and Gabigol have both been tipped for bright futures, while 19-year-old forward Neilton has been impressive in recent weeks. If I were the boss of Santos, I would keep my players wrapped up. The last thing they want is someone having a stormer this evening and attracting more interest from Barcelona!
As mentioned, Sampdoria are actually the current holders of the Joan Gamper Trophy having triumphed 1-0 in 2012. The Spanish outfit were triumphant the season before with a thumping 5-0 win over Napoli, but they were beaten in both 2010 and 2009 by AC Milan and Manchester City respectively having claimed the trophy in the five previous years.
Right, we are just about 10 minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. It is always difficult to know what to expect in friendly games, but I am hopeful that we will see an open match this evening. I expect Barcelona to have far too much on the night, however, with Neymar almost certain to get among the scoring.
Just a reminder that Neymar does not start this evening, with the Brazilian named among the substitutes. Another player that does not make the first XI this evening is Cesc Fabregas, who has been widely linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. We are still awaiting confirmed team news from Santos, meanwhile, with the Brazilian outfit keeping it very in-house thus far.
Unsurprisingly, there are a number of Brazilian flags on show this evening. Lionel Messi remains the superstar at this club, but the commercial value of Neymar will be just incredible. You just get the feeling that Barcelona needed to make that type of signing following their disappointing showing in the Champions League last season.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Ineista; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez
SANTOS: Aranha; Galhardo, Dracena, Durval, Leo; Leandrinho, Arouca, Cicero, Montillo; Ribeiro, Neilton
So there we have it. Finally we have the Santos side. Not too many surprises in their starting XI with Ribeiro joined by the much-coveted Neilton in attack. Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. The home side get the match underway on this warm evening in Spain. Let's hope for a memorable evening of football.
Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, which is certainly not too surprising. Pique attempts to find the run of Sanchez down the right, but Dracena was across to quell the danger. It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this evening.
Just a reminder that Neymar, who swapped Santos for Barcelona this summer, is on the bench this evening. It's bright work from Alves as the Brazilian finds Messi inside the box, but Leo is across to make the clearance. Ribeiro threatens with a powerful run down the other end, but Alba is back to clear for a throw. Bright opening four minutes at the Camp Nou.
First half-chance comes to the home side as Alves finds the head of Messi in the penalty area, but the Argentine's effort is straight at Aranha in the Santos goal. The pressure continues from Barcelona as Alba beats Galhardo for pace before driving a low cross into the middle, but again Dracena is across to clear.
Early chance for Neilton to open his legs as the young striker attempts to meet a through pass from Leo, but it just ran away from the teenager at the vital moment. Barcelona continue in possession moments later, eventually Sanchez drives a low cross into the box, but Santos continue to defend well. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Wonderful football from the home side as Pedro combines with Sanchez inside the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but he just dragged it wide of the far post. A few signs that Barcelona are starting to take control of this match.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Santos (Messi)
Barcelona have their first goal of the match as Messi pounces onto a loose ball in the box before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting into the bottom corner. In truth, it was poor defending from the Brazilian outfit, who gave the Argentine all sorts of room inside their own box.
Simply all one-way traffic at the moment as Barcelona continue to utterly dominate possession in the middle of the park. However, you get the feeling that Santos will cause problems on the counter with the pace of Neilton. Messi has another half-chance moments later, but Leo is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Santos (Leo OG)
It is a horror moment from Leo as the Santos defender turns a Sanchez cross into his own net at the near post - as if Barcelona needed some help. It has been utter domination from the Catalan outfit thus far and they deserve their 2-0 lead with just 13 minutes on the clock.
It's better from Santos as Montillo collects possession in the middle of the park before sliding a low pass towards Neilton, but Alves was across to quell the danger. We have not seen too much from the likes of Arouca and Cicero in the Santos midfield thus far. In truth, they have hardly had the ball. This could be anything that Barcelona want it to be this evening.
Bit of a problem for Sergio Busquets as the Barcelona midfielder receives a nasty challenge from Leo, but the Spaniard does return to his feet following a period of treatment. Just a reminder that Neymar is on the bench for Barcelona this evening, but the Brazilian is expected to enter in the second period. Still Barcelona dominate possession with 17 minutes on the clock.
It is almost like a training match at the moment as Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the box. It's good work from Pedro as the Spaniard bursts into the box before finding Messi, but this time Leo is across to make the clearance. A resulting corner follows for the home side, but the danger is headed clear. Santos just have not been in this game thus far.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alba loops an effort towards the top corner, but it floats over the head of Aranha, who has certainly been the busier of the two goalkeepers with Valdes a spectator down the other end. The home supporters are certainly enjoying their team's performance at the moment as the atmosphere continues to rise.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Santos (Sanchez)
Barcelona have their third of the evening as Messi finds Sanchez inside the box, the Chilean simply cannot miss as he rolls his effort into the bottom corner, much to the delight of the home supporters. It is 3-0 to Barcelona and it certainly does not flatter the Spanish outfit.
You just get the feeling that Santos need something to fall for them here. They are nice and tidy in possession when presented with the opportunity, but they have simply not had enough of the ball. Neilton attempts to break the offside trap once more, but the Santos striker is ruled offside. Still no attempt on goal for the away side.
It's just stunning from Messi as the Argentine turns outside the box before floating a wonderful ball towards Alba, but Durval is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Messi comes close from the resulting corner, but Leo is on hand to clear off the line. This could get very painful very quickly for Santos.
Another opportunity for the home side as Iniesta meets a bouncing ball in the box, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. Barcelona were 4-0 winners the last time these two sides met, well they are on the way to that score with just 28 minutes on the clock. Still no hint of an attack from Santos.
Slightly sloppy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challengers from Santos. The latest free kick presents a chance to Barcelona just outside the box, but Messi instead plays it short, allowing Cicero across to clear the danger. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Spain.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Santos (Pedro)
Barcelona have goal number four as Sanchez finds Alba down the left, the left-back in turn delivers a wonderful cross for Pedro, who simply cannot miss from close range. That is just about the easiest goal he will score this season. Santos look as if they have taken a wrong turning here.
Bit of a worry for Messi as the Barcelona forward goes down holding his knee, but the Argentine does return to his feet following a period of treatment. Another opportunity arrives for Alba as the defender collects a pass from Pique before driving into the box, but this time Durval is across to clear the danger.
You have to feel sorry for the likes of Neilton, who is undoubtedly a very good talent. The striker just has not had the ball in the opening 34 minutes of this match. Santos' evening thus far is pretty much summed up as Durval drives into the Barcelona half before thumping a wild effort high and wide of the target.
It's difficult to watch from a Santos point of view. Barcelona have not been out of first gear thus far, but they lead 4-0 on the night. It is just about as easy as it comes for the Spanish champions, which is a shame for the neutral - not that there are too many in this stadium. The script is written for Neymar to come on and score against his former club.
First change of the match is from Santos as Ribeiro is replaced by Willian Jose. In truth, the former has struggled to have any real influence on the match thus far. Another half-chance arrives for Messi moments later, but the Argentine can only roll his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Better from Santos in the last couple of moments as the Brazilian outfit enjoy a spell of possession in their own half, but it does not take them far with Pique across to clear in the Barcelona half. You just get the feeling that Santos need the interval in order to regroup. It is difficult to see what they can do with Barcelona in this kind of form.
Pique almost gets in on the act as the Spanish defender combines with Messi inside the box, but he was always falling under pressure from Leo, who despite his own goal, has been the pick of his side's defenders thus far. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining in Spain.
Santos continue to enjoy more of the ball in the latter stages of the half, but the fact of the matter is that they have not tested Valdes with a single effort on goal. I should not think that there will be too much time added on at the end of the first half. There has hardly been a challenge of note in a half that has been dominated by the Catalan outfit.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 4-0 Santos
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 4-0 against their Brazilian opponents. In truth, it has been just about as one sided as you could possibly imagine at this level of football. This could be anything that Barcelona want it to be in the second period.
Messi opened the scoring for Barcelona in the early stages, before Leo turned into his own net to send the Catalan outfit 2-0 ahead. Sanchez was next on the scoresheet with a cool finish from close range, before Pedro added their fourth after 29 minutes.
Just a reminder that Neymar is currently on the bench for Barcelona, but the Brazilian is expected to enter against his former club at the interval. Santos will also surely make a host of changes as they switch their attention to their league campaign. I shall attempt to bring you up-to-date with the substitutions when it becomes clear who has entered the field.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Truth be told, I can not yet confirm whether Santos have made any changes. I shall do my best to bring you the latest in terms of changes when it becomes clear. Barcelona, however, are making a number of changes with Cesc Fabregas, Marc Bartra and NEYMAR among the personnel entering the field.
Neymar just has to score against his former club this evening doesn't he? It is almost written in the script. I am certain he will have chances with the way that his former club defended in the first period. At the moment, it does not appear that Santos have made any changes. However, Barcelona, as mentioned, have introduced a number with Jose Pinto also replacing Valdes between the sticks.
Right, eight changes in total for Barcelona: Pinto, Bartra, S.Roberto, Neymar, Fabregas, Song, Adriano and Montoya have entered in place of Valdes, Pique, Xavi, Pedro, Iniesta, Busquets, Alba and Alves. What a squad that is by the way. Right, fairly low-key start to the second period with both sides exchanging spells of possession.
Neymar's first real involvement is a foul as the Brazilian dives into a challenge with former teammate Durval. Barcelona have started to take control of the possession in this half with Montoya, Fabregas and Song exchanging passes in midfield, eventually Neymar looks for Messi outside the box, but the danger is cleared.
Couple of half-chances for Neymar as the Brazilian is twice found by Adriano in the box, but Leo clears the first before the striker hits a fresh-air shot moments later. Santos want a penalty down the other end as Neilton hits the deck in the box, but the referee is not interested. The match is just starting to open up once more.
GOAL! Barcelona 5-0 Santos (Fabregas)
Barcelona have goal number five of the evening as Sanchez finds Fabregas in the box, who simply rolls his effort into the bottom corner. Wonderful finish from the former Arsenal midfielder. Immediately his teammates swarmed around him - a sign that they do not want him to depart this summer?
It's better from the away side as Cicero collects possession on the left before driving a low cross into the box, but it is comfortable for Pinto. The fact that Barcelona have had 11 attempts on goal to Santos' one tells you everything that you need to now about this game. It has been just so incredibly one-sided.
The atmosphere has just died down inside the Camp Nou in the last few minutes with the supporters just enjoying watching their side dominate proceedings. Another half-chance arrives as Adriano drives a low cross into the box, but it just evades Sanchez, who has been very impressive this evening. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Half-chance for Santos down the other end as Neilton strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Pinto is down to make the save. Neymar is involved down the other end as he drives into the box before finding Messi inside the box, but Dracena is across to clear at the vital moment. End-to-end football in the last few moments.
Another opportunity arrives for Barcelona as Messi collects a pass from Fabregas before driving into the box, but the Argentine is denied by a fine challenge from Durval. The pressure continues as Adriano fires a low cross towards Messi, but the Argentine cannot chip his effort over the goalkeeper from close range.
Neymar again tries his luck as he curls an effort from the edge of the box, but he cannot find the bottom corner. Change for Barcelona, meanwhile, as Messi is replaced by the exciting youngster Jean Marie Dongou, who has been impressive in pre-season. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou. Can Barcelona add number six? I would not bet against it.
Another half-chance arrives for Santos as Cicero curls an effort from the edge of the box, but it was always comfortable for Pinto, who is now wearing the armband for the home side. Montoya looks for the run of Dongou moments later, but the powerful striker just cannot rise to meet the cross. Plenty of youth out there for Barcelona in the latter stages of this match.
GOAL! Barcelona 6-0 Santos (Fabregas)
Barcelona do indeed have their sixth of the evening as Neymar picks out the run of Fabregas in the box, before the Spaniard curls an effort into the top corner. Again it is a fine finish from the former Arsenal midfielder. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou.
In fairness to Santos, the second period has been more of a contest, but they have simply been unable to live with the movement from the home side. Fabregas comes within a inch of scoring his third as he thumps a free kick from outside the box, but it smashes off the post. Have Manchester United really got a chance of signing him this summer?
Neymar again causes problems to his former side inside the box, but the striker is muscled off the ball by Dracena at the final moment. The 21-year-old falls into the advertising boards surrounding the pitch, but he is deemed fit to continue. Another change for the home side, meanwhile, as Sanchez is replaced by Dani Nieto. Dongou wants a penalty moments later after tumbling in the box, but the referee is not interested.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Barcelona dominating possession, but without really threatening to add to the scoring. I for one did not expect this match to be as easy as it has been for the Spanish outfit this evening. They have not been out of first gear but lead 6-0. Incredible.
GOAL! Barcelona 7-0 Santos (Adriano)
Barcelona have their seventh with 15 minutes remaining as Adriano thumps an unstoppable effort into the top corner from some 35 yards. Wonderful from the Brazilian. The fact that it does not flatter the home side in any shape or form tells you everything that you need to know.
Neymar again attempts to turn provider as the Brazilian drives into the box before finding Dongou, but Dracena is across to challenge at the vital moment. A mistake from Bartra down the other end almost allows Santos the chance to break, but Song is across to clear the danger.
Half-chance for Santos as Cicero meets a cross from Montillo, but Pinto is across to make a fine save. Barcelona make another change, meanwhile, as Franck Bagnack enters the field in place of Mascherano. Barcelona's team is now entirely different from the one that started the evening. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou.
Good pressure from Santos in the last couple of moments as the Brazilian outfit force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Song before Pinto comes to claim the second. Cicero has a half-chance from a header moments later, but again Pinto is on hand to claim. Santos may have just about been worth a goal this evening.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene on a number of late challenges from the away side. In truth, there is no real atmosphere inside the stadium at this point with Barcelona just keeping possession in their own half. The only thing this game is missing is a goal for Neymar.
GOAL! Barcelona 8-0 Santos (Dongou)
Barcelona have goal number eight of the evening as Dongou taps home from close range after brilliant work from Fabregas, who has been just stunning since entering the field. Santos just cannot get out of their own half at the moment with Barcelona raising the tempo in the last couple of minutes.
Possession football for the home side at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the Santos half. I know it is only pre-season, but Barcelona have sent out a real message this evening. They have also shown what an incredible array of talent they possess. Little under four minutes of football remaining.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Barcelona comfortable in possession of the ball. I shouldn't think this result will do too much for Santos' confidence in the middle of their league campaign, but Barcelona look ready for the new campaign there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Neymar to find the back of the net as the Brazilian strikes an effort from inside the box, but the Santos stopper makes a wonderful save. The resulting corner causes problems in the box, but the danger is eventually cleared by Cicero. It just isn't going to happen for Neymar this evening.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 8-0 Santos
So there we have it. There was no goal for Neymar against his former club, but Barcelona have won the Joan Gamper Trophy with a thumping 8-0 win over Santos. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
