VIDEO: FC Barcelona Win First Match Without Lionel Messi Against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus

FC Barcelona got off to a good start to their season as they won the Gamper trophy. It was their final game before the start of the new La Liga season, and the Spanish giants looked good against Juventus. Their coach Ronald Koeman will be pleased with his team ahead of their match against Real Sociedad.

Barcelona never let Juventus into the game as goals from Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig were enough to seal the match. However, the contribution of their goalkeeper Neto cannot be ignored, along with the rest of the team.

Austrian winger Yusuf Demir started the proceedings early as his inch-perfect through ball sent Dutch striker Depay through on goal. The former Manchester United man did not miss and scored to make it 1-0 after three minutes.

BOOM! @MEMPHIS GIVES BARÇA THE EARLY LEAD! #BarçaJuve #TrofeuGamper pic.twitter.com/lZQmKkRy1S

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021

It was a quiet half from there on as no more goals were scored by either team. However, Demir and Griezmann were both very impressive and had goals ruled out due to the offside flag.

Barcelona started the second half with much fervor as Martin Braithwaite headed in from close range to double the Spanish club’s lead. Memphis Depay got the assist as he was the one taking the corner (which might become a regular fixture without Lionel Messi at the helm.)

Juventus were now truly in a spot of bother and could never get into the game. Barcelona kept the ball well, and the game lost its intensity in the second half as the match was nearing a 2-0 end.

BOOM! @MARTINBRAITH DOUBLES THE LEAD! #BarçaJuve #TrofeuGamper pic.twitter.com/zhodcDbre2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021

Young FC Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig scores a brilliant goal

The game might have ended in a droll fashion after some good possession from Barca, but Riqui Puig had other plans. The Spanish midfielder curled in a beautiful shot with his left foot in added time as Barcelona well and truly outclassed Juventus on this day.

While it’s yet to be seen if this form translates into Barcelona’s new La Liga season, the early signs look positive. If they can get over the departure of Lionel Messi, Barcelona might be the team to watch this season. However, that is a tall ask for anyone.

BOOM! 𝙂𝙊𝙇𝘼𝙕𝙊 !! @RIQUIPUIG MAKES IT 3-0 ON THE FINAL PLAY OF THE GAME! #BarçaJuve #TrofeuGamper pic.twitter.com/ofNfJNWR93

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021

Read More: WATCH: Bruno Fernandes Scores an Outrageous Free Kick as Manchester United Dominate Everton

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