After Real Madrid, FC Barcelona also beat AC Milan. Biggest issue was one who wasn’t even there
Coach Xavi also left no doubt about it: Ousmane Dembelé will leave FC Barcelona for Paris St. Germain, probably this week. So it was only logical that the ex-Dortmund player, who has been playing in Catalonia since 2017 and has developed into one of the most important offensive players at the reigning Spanish champions, was not present when Barça met AC Milan in a test match in Las Vegas on Wednesday night (CEST) – and won.
It was quite fitting that Ansu Fati, a player who could get more playing time after Dembelé’s departure, scored the golden goal in the 1-0 win. The number ten, like Robert Lewandowski or new vice-captain Marc-André ter Stegen, came on as a second-half substitute and cut inside from the left in the 55th minute before curling the ball perfectly into the far corner with his right foot. Milan keeper Mike Maignan was powerless.
Because Barça had more and better chances overall, the victory was in order. Among other things, defender Jules Koundé hit the post before the break after an inadequately defended corner. At right back, where Xavi still wants reinforcements, Ronald Araujo started as he did three days earlier in the 3-0 win in the Test Match Clasico against Real Madrid.
Oriol Romeu for Xavi “a great new signing “
Also currently set: new signing Oriol Romeu. While Ilkay Gündogan was given a breather this time, the 31-year-old ex-Stuttgart player remained in the starting eleven and subsequently received praise from the coach. “I am convinced he will be a good replacement for Busquets,” Xavi said. “He has leadership qualities and can communicate well. For me, he is a great new signing. “
After the US trip, Barcelona will host Tottenham Hotspur in their season opener next Tuesday. Their La Liga title defence then gets underway on 13 August with an away game at Getafe FC. Milan, who lost their third pre-season game after defeats against Real Madrid (2:3) and Juventus Turin (3:4 i.E.), have one more week before the start of the season in Italy.
