Just one day after playing their final La Liga match of 2023, Barcelona suffered a 3-2 friendly defeat to Liga MX champions Club America. Coach Xavi explained that the club needed the money earned from playing the game. The Catalan giants managed to beat Almeria 3-2 thanks to a brace from Sergi Roberto, but they quickly jetted over to Dallas to face Mexican opposition at the Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Senior figures Joao Felix, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen got starts in the friendly, although there were plenty of La Masia products in action as well. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute for Club America, and Julian Quinones scored the first of his two goals. 17-year-old Marc Guiu put Barca back in front, but Quinones got his second shortly after half-time, and Henry Martin headed in from a corner to settle the contest in the 82nd minute.
The hefty fee of $5.5 million that Barca reportedly received to play in Dallas played a significant role in the fixture going ahead at a time when the players could have used more rest. Manager Xavi admitted that the economic situation is what it is and that they have to adapt, mentioning that the club was tired as they played a game just the day before. He stated, “These matches add up. The economic situation is what it is, and we have to adapt. In the US, they have a lot of esteem for us.”
Barca currently sits third and seven points behind leaders Real Madrid at the winter break, indicating that they have work to do if they are to reclaim their La Liga title this season. They will also look to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2024 after being drawn in a last-16 tie against Napoli. The defeat to Club America highlights the challenges they face, and Xavi will need to ensure his team is in prime condition for the matches ahead.
The quick turnaround for Barcelona has placed an added strain on the players, who are tasked with playing multiple demanding fixtures across different competitions and locations. It is a direct reflection of the hectic and demanding modern football schedule, which has drawn criticism from many in the sport. Balancing rest and recovery with competitive fixtures is an ongoing challenge, particularly for elite clubs with global commitments.
Despite the defeat, the friendly provided opportunities for the club’s younger players to gain valuable experience against strong opposition. It was evident that there was plenty of talent on display from both sides, and the match was described as an entertaining spectacle for the fans in attendance. While the economic considerations behind the decision to play the game were a factor, the opportunity to connect with fans and build the brand in the US was also important for the club.
Moving forward, Barcelona’s attention will turn back to their domestic and European campaigns, as they seek to maintain their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts. The challenges they face in doing so, as highlighted by the defeat to Club America, will test the resolve and depth of the squad. With their finances playing a significant role in the decisions they make, the club faces continued pressure to balance their economic interests with the demands of a grueling fixture schedule.
