Hoffenheim 1-5 Barça: Powering start

FC Barcelona and new coach Pere Romeu have got 2024/25off to a fine start with a comfortable win in Saturday's friendly away to German side Hoffenheim. Pajor, Pina, Engen, Walsh and Bruna scored the goals after Kossler had given the home side an unexpected lead.

Despite the early setback, there was only ever one side in it at the PreZero Arena, and that is despite the Catalans missing the large contingent of players that are just returning from Olympic duty. But despite a number of chances, especially for Grahamm they failed to capitalise on their utter dominance and were stunned when Kossler's angled strike gave the Germans a 38th minute lead.

Off the mark

The goal awakened the Catalans, and one of this year¡'s new signings, Ewa Pajor of Poland, promptly converted a Graham assist to level up the scores. And before half-time, logic was restored as Graham was once again the provider, this time for Claudia Pina. 

More goals

With a totally different XI out for the second half, Barça continued to look the better team. Engen pounced on a rebound to extend the lead, and it was four and game over after Walsh had powered home from a distance. There was still time for Bruna to get her name on the scoresheet too, as a useful exercise finished 5-1 to Barça.

MATCH STATS

Hoffenheim, 1
Barça, 5

Hoffenheim: Tufeković, Kaut, Doorn, Cazalla, Janssens, Dongus, Feldkamp, Grabowska, Memeti, Kossler, Cerci, Dick, Corley, Hickelsberger, Alber, Rankin, Harsch, Delacauw, Diehm, Weiß 
Barça: Gemma, Judit, María León, Jana, Pina, Marta, Pajor, Graham, C. Serrajordi, Bezis, Caño, M. Muñoz, Kika, Rolfö, Bruna, Walsh, Engen, Brugts, Aïcha, Celia Segura, Ona, Szymczak & Schertenleib

Goals: 1-0, Kossler (min 38); 1-1, Pajor (min 42); 1-2, Pina (min 45); 1-3, Engen (min 59); 1-4, Walsh, (min 71); 1-5, Bruna (min 75)