Barcelona continued their pre-season preparations with a clash against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi (2), Pedro (2) and Neymar moved Barcelona into a five-goal lead, but Teerasil Dangda grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot for Thailand late in the first period.
Barcelona struck twice early in the second half, however, with goals from Alexis Sanchez and Pedro moving the Catalan outfit into a 7-1 lead.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Barcelona continue their pre-season preparations this afternoon with a fixture against the Thailand national team. The Catalan outfit have been forced to operate without a number of their first-team stars in pre-season thus far, but they have an almost fully-fit squad to choose from in this particular match.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Neymar makes his first start for Barcelona, with the Brazilian selected in a three-man attack alongside Lionel Messi and Pedro. There is also a start for Manchester United target Cesc Fabregas, while Barcelona B defender Bagnack is given the chance to impress alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the defence. Full team to follow.
TEAMS:
THAILAND: To follow.
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Bagnack, Adriano; Fabregas, Song, Roberto; Pedro, Messi, Neymar
As mentioned, Thailand have already faced European opposition in pre-season with Liverpool the visitors. It finished 3-0 to the Premier League outfit, but in truth, the score flattered the hosts who were utterly dominated from start to finish. Barcelona will be looking for a similar performance this evening as they build up to their first league match against Levante the weekend after next.
Despite losing to Liverpool in their last match, Thailand will believe that they can cause Barcelona problems this afternoon after recording a 5-1 win over China in June. They have struggled in recent qualification matches, however, with their last competitive fixture ending in a 5-2 defeat to Lebanon on March 22. In truth, it will take a minor miracle for Thailand to upset Barcelona in this match.
As mentioned, Barcelona enter the match off the back of an 8-0 win against a very poor Santos side last Friday. The La Liga champions began their pre-season campaign with a trip to European champions Bayern Munich, where they were beaten 2-0. However, not too much can be read into the result with Lionel Messi the only player that would feature in their strongest XI on display in Germany.
Following the Bayern defeat, they travelled to face Valerenga, where a youthful side recorded a thumping 7-0 win. Next came a tough trip to Polish outfit Lechia Gdansk, they twice fell behind, but a strike from Messi just short of the hour mark secured a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Catalan boss Gerardo Martino will be looking for nothing short of a comprehensive victory this afternoon.
One player who is on display this afternoon is Fabregas, who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. Barcelona have insisted that the Spanish midfielder is not for sale, but it is strange that the player himself has not directly committed his long-term future to the Spanish club. However, a press conference is expected to take place tomorrow, where the Spaniard’s future will surely be decided once and for all.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff in Thailand, but we are still waiting for confirmation of the home side's starting XI. Have no fear, I shall bring you up-to-date when the correct information becomes available. Unsurprisingly, there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium as the two sets of players enter the tunnel in Bangkok.
Just a reminder that despite reports that Neymar is suffering from anaemia, the Brazilian does indeed start his first match for Barcelona this afternoon. Meanwhile, there are also starts for Sergio Roberto and Gerard Pique. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. In truth, I cannot see anything other than a comprehensive Barcelona victory in Thailand.
Slight delay to kickoff at the moment for reasons that are largely known. At the moment, there is a carnival atmosphere inside the stadium with a host of entertainment taking place. I am not too sure if I am watching a football game or a circus. Let's hope that the action will soon get underway. I shouldn't think the Barcelona players will appreciate the delay too much!
Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. I must admit that I did not expect such a strong Barcelona side to start this match, which is bad news for Thailand. Just a reminder that the home side have welcomed European opposition thus far this summer, with Liverpool running out 3-0 winners. Wonderful moment inside the stadium as the Thai national anthem is impeccably observed.
Barcelona enjoy their own club tune moments before kickoff, which rings around this wonderful stadium. Watching this on first glance, it could be the Champions League final with the amount of preparation that has gone into providing the occasion. Just a reminder that we are still waiting correct information on the Thai starting XI. Barcelona get the action underway.
TEAMS:
THAILAND: Hathairattanakool; Bunmathan, Daosawang, Wannasri, Kraisorn; Dangda, Songkrasin, Thaweekarn, Puangchan; Sokam, Chappuis
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Bagnack, Adriano; Fabregas, Song, Roberto; Pedro, Messi, Neymar
Right, we finally have the confirmed team news for the home side. Bright opening stages to this match as a mistake from the Thai goalkeeper allows Neymar the chance to clip an effort towards goal, but it just moves wide of the post. Sokam is involved down the other end as he rounds Alves, but Pique is across on the cover. Bright opening four minutes of action in Thailand.
First half-chance of the match for Barcelona as Neymar collects possession on the left before combining with Fabregas in the box, but the Brazilian just loses his footing at the final moment. Messi attempts to force a similar chance moments later, but Dangda is across to clear. All-action start to this match, but no goals inside the opening six minutes of action.
Barcelona have just started to take control of the match with Adriano's effort deflected wide of the post by Bunmathan. The resulting corner is taken by Neymar, eventually Song delivers a low cross into the box, but Hathairattanakool is out to collect the danger. Thailand attempt to launch a counter moments later, but Pique quells the danger with a clearance.
It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon with the home supporters making their voices heard in the early stages. You would have been forgiven for thinking that Barcelona would dominate this match from the very first whistle, but Thailand have certainly shown that they can threaten on the counter with the pace of Chappuis. Still goalless with 10 minutes on the clock in this pre-season clash.
Again it's bright work from the home side as Dangda collects possession on the left before attempting to move past the challenge of Alves, but the Brazilian just manages to clear at the vital moment. Barcelona regain possession moments later, but the La Liga champions have been unable to test the opposing goalkeeper thus far with 12 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Thailand 0-1 Barcelona (Neymar)
Barcelona have their first goal of the afternoon and it's Neymar on his first start for the club. Fabregas was the provider down the left with the Spaniard driving a low cross into the box, before the Brazilian tapped home from close range. He is off and running for the Catalan outfit.
PENALTY TO BARCELONA!
GOAL! Thailand 0-2 Barcelona (Messi)
Barcelona have their second of the match within moments as Messi converts from the penalty spot. In terms of the award, the referee made the correct decision as Daosawang tripped the Argentine in the box. Thailand had started quite well, but they now find themselves 2-0 behind in Bangkok.
Suddenly it's all Barcelona with the Spanish outfit utterly dominating possession in the opposing half. It took a little bit of time for the Catalan side to settle into this match, but now they look capable of scoring each time they attack. You just get the feeling that Thailand need to keep it tight for the next couple of minutes.
GOAL! Thailand 0-3 Barcelona (Pedro)
It's just too easy for Barcelona as the Spanish side move 3-0 ahead in Thailand. Again Messi is involved as the Argentine finds Pedro, who arrows a powerful effort into the top corner. This could easily be double figures if Barcelona continue this level of commitment. Unfortunately, it is men against boys at the moment.
Another penalty claim for Barcelona as Neymar is tugged over in the box, but the referee is not interested. In truth, that was just about as clear a penalty as I have ever seen. Maybe the referee has used some common sense there! Thailand simply cannot deal with the movement of Neymar, Messi and Pedro with 22 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Neymar collects possession on the right before delivering a low cross towards Pedro, but the Spaniard cannot beat the home side's goalkeeper to the ball. Thailand threaten down the other end with Sokam, but his pass towards Chappuis finds the latter in an offside position.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Wannasri delivers a low cross into the box, but Pique just manages to clear at the vital moment. A similar cross is delivered moments later, but again Pique is across to quell the threat. Better from Thailand, but they are still to test Valdes with 26 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Thailand 0-4 Barcelona (Messi)
Barcelona have their fourth of the afternoon as Messi collects a quick free kick from Fabregas before sliding a low finish into the bottom corner. It's quick thinking from the Spanish side, but it just has to be better from Thailand. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
The biggest cheer of the afternoon arrives as Messi collects possession outside the box before utterly losing his footing and falling to the ground. The Argentine jokingly asks for a free kick, but the referee is not interested. First card of the match arrives for Adriano moments later, as the Brazilian fells Sokam outside the penalty area.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third with Fabregas prepared to join Messi, Pedro and Neymar at each opportunity. In fairness to Thailand, they are attempting to commit numbers to each attack, but it is harming their ability to defend. The score could be anything that Barcelona want it to be. It has been that one-sided in the opening 32 minutes of action.
Without criticising fixtures such as this, because of what they provide, you do wonder what the players learn from facing a team that are simply not on the same level. Barcelona have not been out of first gear let alone second thus far, but they lead 4-0. Another half-chance arrives for Fabregas, but he clips over the crossbar from close range.
Barcelona come close to their fifth of the match as Messi takes control in a crowded penalty area before sliding a pass towards Pedro, but Sokam just manages to clear at the vital moment. Neymar threatens with a mazy run moments later, but he runs into a host of bodies. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Thailand 0-5 Barcelona (Pedro)
Barcelona have their fifth of the match as Messi drives into the penalty area before finding Pedro, who simply rolls his effort into the bottom corner. Santos were on the end of an 8-0 drubbing last week, but I suspect Barcelona will pass that total in this one.
It is almost like a training exercise for Barcelona at the moment as the Spanish outfit pass and probe outside the opposing penalty area. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium has not dropped for one moment despite utter domination from Barcelona. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Bangkok.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Barcelona prepared to keep possession in the Thailand half. The biggest cheer of the match would certainly arrive if the home side could find the back of the net, but it is extremely difficult to see that occurring. Another corner arrives for Thailand, but Pique rises highest in the box to clear the danger.
I suspect that we will see a host of changes at the interval as Barcelona prepare to give their players valuable minutes ahead of the new season. Meanwhile, the Thai national boss will want to give his players the chance to play against one of the best teams in European football. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining with Barcelona in utter control of the possession.
PENALTY TO THAILAND!
Well, that was not in the script! The home side are awarded a penalty as Thaweekarn is felled in the penalty area by Song. What a moment this could be for Thailand. The biggest cheer of the evening could be about to arrive.
GOAL! Thailand 1-5 Barcelona (Dangda)
Thailand do indeed have their goal as Dangda steps up before sending his penalty into the bottom corner. In truth, the foul looked outside the box and it did appear that minimal contact, if any, had been made, but the home supporters do not mind. Not too much football left to play in the first period.
HALF-TIME: Thailand 1-5 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 5-1. The Spanish outfit raced into a five-goal lead with Lionel Messi and Pedro both scoring a brace and Neymar netting his first for the club, but a Dangda penalty in the final moments of the half secured a consolation for the home side.
In truth, if they needed, Barcelona could raise their tempo at any moment in this match. They have not been out of second gear thus far let alone first against a side that has simply been unable to live with their movement in the final third. I suspect that we will see changes for both sides at the interval, which I will bring you up-to-date with when the information becomes available.
In case you are wondering about the slight delay in time, the match did kick off 10 minutes later with Thailand providing us with some wonderful entertainment prior to the match. Barcelona's league campaign gets underway on August 18 against Levante, but they look ready to go based on this performance. Right, the second period is just minutes away from restarting.
Right, the two sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. At this moment in time it is unclear whether either side has made changes, but I will do my best to bring you all the correct information when it becomes available. The home side get the action underway in Bangkok.
GOAL! Thailand 1-6 Barcelona (Pedro)
Barcelona have their sixth goal minutes into the second period as Iniesta spots the run of Pedro, who takes the pass in his stride before lifting his effort into the back of the net. Just stunning from the Spaniard who now has three goals to his name in this match.
GOAL! Thailand 1-7 Barcelona (Sanchez)
Barcelona have goal number seven moments later as Iniesta drives into the box before finding Sanchez, who simply cannot miss from close range. Well, that is some start to the second period from the Spanish outfit. I am not entirely sure if Thailand know where they are at the moment.
Right, there has of course been changes for Barcelona at the interval with Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez among the players entering the field. In truth, they have started this half like a house on fire as once more they come close to finding the back of the net with a powerful effort from Sanchez. I would not bet against double figures in this one.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Alba combines with Iniesta before driving a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Sanchez, who had moved beyond the final defender. Thailand attempt to break down the other end moments later, but Mascherano - another change at the interval - is across to clear the danger. Little over 35 minutes of action remaining, with Barcelona leading 7-1.
Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net once more as Pedro converts from close range, but the linesman chalks it off for offside. Replays have indicated that the Spaniard moved just a second too early when meeting the pass from Montoya. However, I shouldn't think we will have to wait too long for the next goal.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Sanchez collects possession on the left before rolling a low pass towards Pedro, but it just would not fall for the Spaniard, who had once more evaded the final defender. The resulting corner is delivered by Xavi, but Mascherano's looping header moves high and wide of the crossbar.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Thailand have not been out of their own half in the second period. Not that it was a regular occurrence in the first half, but they have been utterly dominated in this opening 15 minutes. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining. I shouldn't think that we have seen the last of the goals.
Another change for Barcelona as Jose Pinto enters the field in place of Valdes, who has not had too much to do aside from pick the ball out of his own net following that Dangda penalty in the latter stages of the first period. The home side have also made a couple of changes, but at this moment it is unclear who has departed and indeed entered proceedings.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Sanchez drives into the penalty area before combining with Iniesta, but it just would not fall for the Chilean, who could only slide his effort into the side netting. The fact that Barcelona have changed almost their entire team and it remains this strong tells you something about their squad for the new campaign.
Barcelona again come close to extending their lead as Fabregas breaks beyond the defence before collecting a pass from Xavi, but once more the offside flag is raised. No sign of the atmosphere dropping, meanwhile, as the supporters continue to make their voices known. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Bangkok.
Another change for Barcelona as Dongou replaces Fabregas. Can the striker continue his fine run of form in front of goal? It's better from Thailand as Chappuis searches out the run of Sokam, but Mascherano is across to quell the danger. Not too much to report in terms of chances as we enter the final stages of this pre-season fixture.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Dongou to make it number eight for Barcelona as he finds himself unmarked in the penalty area, but somehow the youngster can only clip his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Could he be in Martino's thoughts for the new season?
Pedro is the only Barcelona player currently on the field that started the match this evening, but I suspect he will be replaced shortly. The Spanish winger comes close to scoring his fourth of the evening after collecting a pass from Sanchez, but he is immediately surrounded by two defenders. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment as their side continue to lose possession in the Barcelona half. In truth, this score could have been anything, but Barcelona's performance has just dropped in the latter stages of this second period. Barcelona hit eight against Santos last Friday, I wouldn't back against them scoring another eight here.
Slight non-event at the moment with Barcelona keeping possession in their own half as the conditions start to take their toll on both sets of players. Dongou attempts to force the issue with a turn and strike just outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the target. Little over 10 minutes of action remaining in this pre-season fixture.
Barcelona again come close to number eight as Dongou breaks the offside trap before finding Iniesta, but the flag is raised for the Spaniard. Sokam threatens to harm Barcelona down the other end with a mazy run and low cross into the box, but Bartra is across to quell the danger at the near post. Good, solid defending from the young Spaniard.
Bright work from Mascherano creates another half-chance for Barcelona as the Argentine brings the ball out of defence before finding Sanchez, but the Chilean decides to strike at goal rather than find the Argentine on the overlap, much to his frustration. It sounds strange, but after conceding five times in the first half, a 7-1 score would be respectable for Thailand at this point.
Slightly sloppy period in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from both sides. A half-chance does arrive for Thailand as Sokam strikes an effort from outside the box, but it is comfortable for Pinto, who has hardly touched the ball since entering in the second period. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Iniesta remains the danger for the home side as the Spaniard continues to take up positions in the final third, but he was been unable to find that elusive pass in the closing stages. Martino will be pleased with what he has seen this evening, while a number of first-team players have been able to get positive minutes on the pitch. Not too much to report as we enter the final couple of minutes in Bangkok.
Half-chance for Dongou to open his tally late in the match as the powerful striker collects a pass from Xavi before spinning and striking an effort on goal, but it just moves wide of the post. Iniesta tests the opposing goalkeeper moments later, but his effort is tipped high and wide of the crossbar.
FULL-TIME: Thailand 1-7 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the action to an end with Barcelona beating Thailand 7-1. Many positives for the Spanish outfit with Neymar registering his first goal and a number of players getting minutes on the field. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon!
