Two European giants in Barcelona and Juventus will meet at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara this weekend in top quality friendly action as part of the Soccer Champions Tour.
Key Takeaways
- Captain Sergio Busquets has departed Barcelona after a magnificent career with the Spanish giants
- Veteran Juan Cuadrado has departed Juventus this summer and has joined Serie A rivals Inter
- This will be both sides' first pre-season match as they begin their tour of the United States
La Liga champions Barcelona will step up their pre-season preparations here as they take on a Juventus side who struggled in Serie A last term. Their struggles were also due to a points deduction as a result of false accounting.
Barcelona Form
Barca have played in just one friendly so far this summer as they defeated Japanese side Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. Franck Kessie and Eric Garcia managed to get on the scoresheet in that one as young midfielder Pablo Torre provided both assists.
Catalan legend Andreas Iniesta featured for Kobe against his former club but failed to make an impact. With that match being played at the beginning of June, Barca have not seen any action in over a month. Therefore, the clash against Juve here is their first real match of pre-season.
This matchup kicks off a string of enticing clashes for Barcelona this summer as they also have Arsenal, Real Madrid, Milan and Tottenham to come inside the next month. Their next four games, including the Juve match, are all a part of their tour of the United States.
Juventus Form
The Bianconeri have not been in action since their 1-0 win over Udinese in their final Serie A match of the season. Juve finished in seventh last season after they were deducted ten points. Reports are also suggesting that Juventus will not feature in the Europa Conference League next season as a result of their financial issues.
Juventus will take part in some attractive friendly matches in the US over the next month. They will play fellow Italian outfit Milan at Dignity Health Sports Park after their clash with Barcelona, before finishing their tour against Real Madrid in Orlando.
Head-to-Head
Barcelona and Juventus' most recent meeting came in the US last year as they played out a 2-2 draw in Dallas. Ousmane Dembele and Moise Kean were both able to score braces. The last time they met in competitive action was in 2020 as Juve ran out 3-0 winners during the Champions League group stage.
Team News
Adrien Rabiot ended speculation about his departure over the summer as he signed a new deal to stay with the club. Rumours continue to spread about the potential signing of Kessie as the Barcelona man could return to Italy over the summer. The Bianconeri have a chance at taking a good look at the Ivory Coast international here. Juan Cuadrado has left the club after the expiry of his contract to join fellow Serie A outfit Inter.
Barcelona have recently completed the signing of midfielder Oriol Romeu as the former Southampton and Girona rejoins his old club. Barca have also completed the signings of Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez this summer so they could both get some important game time here. Veteran midfielder and captain Sergio Busquets has departed the club after 18 years of service, as well as Jordi Alba.
Key Players
Rabiot was key in the midfield for Juve last season and is set for yet another big campaign this term to help guide the Turin-based club back into the top-four. Dusan Vlahovic will need to find form and pre-season is a great way to find some confidence.
Xavi Hernandez’s Barca were helped greatly by the 23 goals that legendary striker Robert Lewandowski scored in La Liga last season to help guide them to their 27th league title. Young midfield duo Gavi and Pedri will continue to shine as part of Barca’s new generation.
How to watch on TV or Online
The friendly match between Barcelona and Juventus is not available on TV or online in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Friendly matches are all about finding fitness and getting back up to the level of competitive action. With nothing to lose, we could see an entertaining match between two sides who will be looking to put on a show for their North American fanbase.
Club Friendly Games
LaLiga
Coppa Italia