A perfect performance; that pretty much sums up Barcelona's night, as they romped to victory in the Joan Gamper Trophy, blasting a jaw-dropping eight goals past Brazilian side Santos at the Camp Nou. Despite having signed Santos' best player Neymar for €57 million, new coach Gerardo Martino opted to keep the Brazilian on the bench, much to the bemusement of the masses; yet his decision made perfect sense after a first-half in which all three Barcelona striker got themselves onto the score-sheet. First Lionel Messi, then Alexis Sanchez followed by Pedro; the Santos defense simply had no answer for Barca's crisp passing and movement, not to mention their asphyxiating high-line of pressure.
Quite simply this performance had it all; it wasn't until deep into the second-half that the Barcelona keeper (by now, it was Jose Manuel Pinto) was forced into a save as Barca's suspect defense performed, well, excellently for the majority of the match. It might have "only" been against Santos, but it was an encouraging sign nonetheless.
Just as Alexis Sanchez' performance was encouraging; the Chilean was on top-form providing an assist to go along with his goal -- and if the season started tomorrow, one could be sure that Alexis would be in pole position for that final attacking spot.
A late cameo from Jean-Marie Dongou caught the eye as well, as Gerardo Martino demonstrated that even with a few players sidelined, Barcelona have amazing strength in depth; and with the season beginning in just two short weeks, it appears as though Barca are raring to go.
More from Barca Blaugranes:
- Joan Gamper Trophy: FC Barcelona 8-0 Santos: Match Review
- FC Barcelona News: 2 August 2013; Cristian Tello Renews Contract, Jonathan dos Santos Injures Quadriceps
- Jonathan Dos Santos: Did He Make The Right Choice by Staying at Barça?
- FC Barcelona News: 1 August 2013: Neymar, Xavi Talk To The Press, Deportivo Saved From Relegation
- FC Barcelona 2012/13 Season in Review: Alexis Sanchez