Barcelona have made several high-profile signings this summer and after beating Real Madrid, it will be difficult for many to keep a lid on the excitement building at Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana pipped Real Madrid 1-0 in Las Vegas on Sunday morning Spanish time with a stunning Raphinha strike. There was also a debut for Robert Lewandowski.
Speaking to Diario AS after the match, manager Xavi Hernandez was in optimistic mood ahead of the new season.
“Content. We have felt good. The least important thing is winning, but we Cules love beating Real Madrid. The first half was excellent, the second less good. The team looks good physically.”
“I saw a good Barca, but we have to be more reliable [in the box]. We were better than Real Madrid. I am satisfied, beyond the result. I even managed to enjoy it on the bench. We are creating a great amount of excitement amongst Cules. For us it is an important victory.”
Beyond anything tactical or technical to take away, it is notable that Xavi mentioned he enjoyed himself. Since arriving, it has been a stressful existence on the Barcelona bench. Expectation will rise in tandem with their resources, but Xavi may have a few easier evenings too.
The caveat to any conclusions from this friendly is that Barcelona are much further on in their preparation than Real Madrid. It was Los Blancos’ first minutes of the preseason and they were also without star forward Karim Benzema.
Desmondeyum
96
The moment Rudiger realized that Araujo is not a regular premier league defender you can bully
JoyNg
63
Like I said many times🔥🔥🔥 Barcelona plays against us with their best game possible. They want to defeat us, because they know we are the greatest club in the world. They literally got their name because of us. Meanwhile for us, Barcelona is just another team. They are behind Milan, Bayern & even Liverpool in European success for us. Remains for the Spanish success, its 26 - 35.
Desmondeyum
22
🚨Breaking: Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are set to missed the El Clasico game this morning due to unknown reasons.
maxyland
17
Ronald Araújo was spectacular last night. As a right-back, he completely isolated Vinícius, and also cruised past Rüdiger in a promising excursion down the wing.
Desmondeyum
12
From fighting the relegation battle to scoring in an ElClasico weeks later … anything can happen in life
Ayushman21
10
xavi ,First win a trophy with Barca and then talk
patoski
8
Facts though Araujo was running away. You flipping the script. RUDIGER is there to make those defenders with attitudes shut up. If you watch the whole clip you’ll see Busqets shutting up looking in RUDIGER face[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]. El Classico is just getting started. You’ll know who Rudi is at your own home😱[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
nothing he can do bruv...no matter how hot he thinks his head is, he is a kid when compared to Ramos and pepe yet barca players stood up to them anyday any time
AdivhahoCollenN
8
Don't be too excited.. Benzema wasn't there.. The mistakes our defense was acting, if Benzema was there, he would have killed us