Debut and a draw in Split (0-0)

Barcelona (FCB).- Barça drew against Hajduk Split in the first pre-season game. Despite their clear superiority in terms of play, possession and chances, Pep Guardiola’s team was unable to get past Subasic in the Hajduk goal. Villa, Soriano, and Jeffren however came close on a number of occasions. 56 days after Wembley, Barça showed their style to the world once again. In the game to celebrate Hajduk Split’s centenary, Barça played seriously and gave everything, but couldn’t break through the web woven by the Croatian side, which have already started their league campaign, and are probably more match-fit.

Thiago Alcantara was the most active player on the pitch in the first few minutes creating danger with his tactical changes in position and precision passing. Thiago took the lead role in midfield, bringing his team-mates into the game, and providing some great balls for David Villa. Villa, who had a few chances to score, came closest in the 16th minute when he hit the post with a superb strike from outside the area. Other worthy attempts from the Barça striker were seen in the 30th and 39th minute, both from free-kicks, the first of which narrowly missed and the second was deflected by the goalkeeper. Coming in at the break 0-0, Pep Guardiola decided to bring on all eleven players from the bench. Despite the good work of the first 45 minutes, in the second half the team was totally different. Bringing on Riverola into midfield gave the team more depth, and this helped to gain even more possession of the ball. Jeffren and Jonathan Soriano had the best chances in the second half. Jeffren was very active for the whole half and his quick cut inside followed by a daring cross-shot almost put Barça ahead. Jonathan Soriano also came really close and his shot, in the 64th minute, was centimetres outside the post. Barça played with their usual style, mixing devised tactics with opportunism yet this time their efforts were in vain. Next Tuesday, 26th of July, at 18.15, Barça will have their second pre-season game, in the Audi Cup, against Internacional of Porto Alegre. It might be the chance they need to get their first win of the pre-season.