FC Barcelona have wrapped up a successful preseason in Japan and South Korea with a 100% record of three wins in three matches. Hansi Flick’s side looked solid and impressed going forward in the wins over Vissel Kobe, FC Seoul and Daegu FC.
This perfect run of victories is something that Barça had not achieved prior to this summer’s Asian Tour since 2017. Eight years ago a squad coached by Ernesto Valverde went to the US in preseason and won all three games against Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Almost perfect
In 2018 preseason saw a win on penalties over Tottenham Hotspur but defeats against Roma and AC Milan. The following year saw two wins over Napoli and a victory over Vissel Kobe but defeat against Chelsea in the final game of the tour prevented a 100% record. In 2020 and 2021 restrictions due to the Covid pandemic saw preseason limited to friendlies against local sides.
Back on tour in 2022, Barça took wins against Inter Miami, Real Madrid and New York Red Bulls before their run came to an end with a 2-2 draw against Juventus. In 2023 a win against Real Madrid was followed with successive goalless draws against AC Milan and Juventus and a defeat against Arsenal. Last year, 2024, another victory over Real Madrid came before a draw with Manchester City and a penalty shoot out defeat against AC Milan.
Goals galore
In their best run of results for seven years on a preseason tour, Barça have also managed to score 15 goals in just three games, a reason for optimism ahead of the beginning of official competition and a season that presents the usual demanding challenges.