Barcelona Opens Preseason Tour with Dominant Win Over FC Daegu in South Korea

In front of a sea of passionate fans waving Blaugrana flags and chanting in unison, FC Barcelona kicked off their preseason tour with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Korea’s FC Daegu on Sunday night. The friendly, held at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul, wasn’t just a warm-up match—it was a statement.

For many of Barcelona’s supporters in Asia, this was a rare opportunity to witness their idols up close. The energy in the stadium reflected that emotion. From the first whistle, the atmosphere was electric, and Barcelona didn’t disappoint.

A Blend of Youth and Experience

Head coach Hansi Flick used this game as a testing ground, blending seasoned players with promising talents from the academy. The starting XI was a mix of familiar faces like Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé, alongside youngsters eager to prove themselves.

Barcelona opened scoring early, with Ferran Torres coolly slotting in a goal after a slick one-two with Ilkay Gündogan in the 18th minute. The Spanish forward looked sharp, quick on the ball, and eager to cement his place in Flick’s system.

Just before halftime, 19-year-old Fermin López doubled the lead with a thunderous strike from outside the box that left Daegu’s goalkeeper flat-footed. It was a goal that drew roars from the crowd and a proud smile from Flick on the sidelines.

The Korean Crowd Gets Its Moment

Despite the final scoreline, Daegu FC had their moments—especially in the second half. A well-constructed build-up in the 52nd minute nearly resulted in a goal, but Barcelona’s young keeper Iñaki Peña made a fingertip save to keep the clean sheet intact.

Barcelona added a third goal late in the game through Vitor Roque, who calmly finished off a counterattack in the 84th minute. Roque, one of Barça’s most hyped signings, showed signs of settling in well with his new team. His pace and positional awareness were on full display.

A Tour With Purpose

While preseason friendlies are typically about fitness and tactics, this match carried emotional weight. It marked Barcelona’s first game in South Korea in nearly two decades, and the club made sure to treat it as more than just a promotional event. Players spent time after the match greeting fans, signing autographs, and soaking in the warm reception.

Coach Flick, speaking post-match, emphasized the importance of these games in shaping the squad’s chemistry and identifying tactical gaps. “It’s not just about the result. It’s about rhythm, connection, and adaptation,” he said. “I’m pleased with what I saw tonight. The young players are hungry, and the veterans are guiding them well.”

Looking Ahead

This win sets the tone for the rest of Barcelona’s preseason. The team is scheduled to travel next to Japan, where they’ll face off against another local club before returning to Europe for final preparations ahead of the La Liga opener.

While the competitive stakes were low, the emotional payoff—both for the players and their Asian fanbase—was sky-high. For many in the stands, it wasn’t just about seeing a team win. It was about witnessing the magic of Barcelona in real life—fluid football, youthful promise, and the elegance of a club trying to reclaim its global dominance.

In short: the preseason may have just started, but Barcelona is already showing signs that they’re hungry, united, and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.