IN SPORT.ES
Antoine Griezmann made his Barcelona debut as the Catalans got their pre-season campaign underway with a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea in Japan’s Saitama Stadium.
Barcelona dominated the ball but didn’t threaten Kepa Arrizabalaga’s goal too much.
Griezmann was bright although kicked at air when trying to reach a cross from the left.
At the other end Chelsea looked to hit Barcelona on the counter and eventually broke the deadlock when Jorginho closed down Sergio Busquets and intercepted his pass.
The ball fell to Tammy Abraham who rounded Marc-Andre ter Stegen and slotted home, making amends after an earlier miss from close range.
Riqui Puig excited in midfield, with one backheel flick close to playing in Ousmane Dembele, while the French winger clicked well with Griezmann.
It was all change at half-time for Barcelona, who switched their entire XI.
Carlos Alena impressed in the early stages of the second half, with he and Rafinha testing Kepa.
At the other end Neto made a smart save after a shot deflected towards goal having hit Jean-Clair Todibo.
However the Brazilian goalkeeper was caught out for the second goal, with Ross Barkley’s well-placed low effort from the edge of the box beating him at his near post.
Ivan Rakitic pulled a goal back in stoppage time, a fine effort from the edge of the box into the top corner, but there wasn’t enough time left for Barcelona to grab an equaliser.
Next up for Barcelona, a clash with Andres Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe.
Barca first half XI: Ter Stegen 5; O Busquets 5, Pique 6, Umtiti 7, Alba 6; S Busquets 5, Sergi Roberto 6, Riqui Puig 7; Dembele 6, Griezmann 7, Collado 6.
Barca second half XI: Neto 5; Semedo 6, Todibo 7, Lenglet 6, Guillem 6; De Jong 6, Rakitic 7, Alena 7; Malcom 6, Rafinha 7 Perez 5.