Closed rehearsal for Flick's youngsters: prediction for Barcelona vs SE Europa
The friendly between football clubs Barcelona and SE Europa is set for July 24 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training facility in Sant Joan Despí, a suburb of Barcelona. The match will be held behind closed doors and marks the Catalan giant’s first on-field test ahead of their pre-season training camp in England.
Barcelona: youngsters get a chance to impress Flick
Barcelona kick off their pre-season with a closed-door sparring session that will closely resemble a high-intensity training match. Two years ago, in similar circumstances, the Catalans narrowly edged Olot 1-0, fielding primarily reserves and academy prospects.
Hansi Flick will have to do without ten internationals, and Raphinha, Fermín López, Frenkie de Jong, and Ronald Araújo are sidelined through injury. Of the regular starters, only Gerard Martín is expected to feature, but Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim could get his debut, while academy hopefuls will be eager to earn a ticket to the England camp.
SE Europa: rebuilding after losing their top scorer
SE Europa wrapped up last season fighting for promotion to the Segunda, but fell short in the playoffs and parted ways with head coach Àdai Benítez. The team is now led by Josep Maria Gené, a club familiar who previously managed the reserves and served as sporting director, so a radical change in playing philosophy is unlikely.
The visitors’ squad has seen significant changes: only five players who started the playoff second leg against Celta B remain. The biggest loss is Jordi Cano, who netted 25 goals last season and has moved to Andorra, while defender Joan Puch is still recovering from a cruciate ligament tear.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The match will take place behind closed doors at Barcelona’s training ground.
- Of last season’s regulars, only Gerard Martín is expected for Barcelona.
- SE Europa were the only team in their Primera Federación group to both score and concede more than 50 goals last season.
Even reserves should get the job done: prediction for Barcelona vs SE Europa
Given the heavy physical workload and the absence of most first-team stars, Barcelona are unlikely to hit top speed or show flawless combinations right away. However, for the youngsters, this is a full-scale audition before the England trip, so motivation in the Catalan camp will be high.
SE Europa are known for their bold style and rarely park the bus, but after a major squad overhaul and the departure of their leading scorer, their attacking potential is questionable. Even this experimental Barcelona side should capitalize on the gulf in class and consistently create chances in front of goal.
