WATCH: Raphinha scores on Barcelona debut as Inter Miami beaten 6-0
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 20 Jul 2022 01:47 CDT
- 3 min read
Raphinha produced an eye-catching display on his Barcelona debut as he chalked up a goal and an assist as the Catalans defeated Inter Miami 6-0 in the first match of their US Tour.
With head coach Xavi back home in Spain, the Primera Division outfit showcased some slick football as they proved too much for the MLS outfit.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Gavi, Memphis Depay and Ousmane Dembele were all on target as they romped to their first victory of pre-season.
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New signings Andreas Christensen, Frank Kessie and Raphinha all started, but it was the former Leeds man who took centre stage in the first half as he scored his club’s second with a neat side-footed volley after some quick interchanges on the left had pulled the Inter Miami defence to pieces.
Quarter of an hour later, it was Raphinha’s pass that unlocked the rearguard to allow Ansu Fati just enough space to lash a powerful shot past home goalkeeper Nick Marsman.
🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 Six bona fide, highlight-reel-worthy goals pic.twitter.com/UmUsVSqeVM
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 20, 2022
De Jong given a run out
At half-time, Barcelona changed their entire XI and showcased their strength in depth by dominating the second half.
Among those who played the latter 45 minutes were Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele, whose long-running contract saga has finally been resolved in recent days. Indeed, the winger got himself on the scoresheet in fine style, cutting in off the right wing before firing low into the net.
De Jong getting game time, meanwhile, suggests that any possible transfer to Old Trafford remains a distant prospect.
Among the most notable players in the Inter Miami team were former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain and Romeo Beckham, who came on as a late substitute.
Barcelona will next be in action in the early hours of Sunday morning European time, when they will face Real Madrid in Las Vegas in a pre-season Clasico.
