Barcelona secured their first three points in the Youth League by defeating Swiss team Young Boys, bouncing back from a disappointing match in Monaco.
The match had its share of excitement, with the home team initially creating several promising opportunities that they failed to convert. Their struggles were highlighted when Young Boys capitalized on their first real attack, as Ralcevic delivered a cross that Jost deftly controlled and shot into the net in the 25th minute.
However, Barcelona responded just three minutes later. Captain Hugo Alba scored from the rebound of an Arnau Pradas shot. Moments later, Alba orchestrated another goal as Pradas gave Barcelona a 2-1 lead before halftime, turning the tide in their favor.
After the break, the intensity of Barcelona’s attacks diminished, but substitute Oscar Gistau managed to extend their lead to 3-1 with a well-timed shot in the 65th minute.
Despite their dominance, Barcelona squandered several chances, enabling Young Boys to stay in contention. When Mendes pulled a goal back in the 80th minute, the score tightened, creating a tense finish for the home side.
Ultimately, Barcelona secured their victory with a late goal from Pedro Fernández in the 90th minute, ensuring a 4-2 win to mark a significant improvement in their campaign.
MATCH STATS
FC BARCELONA 4
YOUNG BOYS 2
Barcelona: Eder Aller; Xavi Espart, Landry (Kospo, min. 70), Leo Saca, Walton (Jofre Torrents, min. 46); Pedro Soma, Pedro Rodríguez (Quim Junyent, min. 63), Juan Hernández (Pedro Fernández, min. 76); Jan Virgili, Hugo Alba (Óscar Gistau, min. 62), Arnau Pradas.
Young Boys: Cherif; Thermoncy, Jetzer, Raicevic, Smith (Ademi, min. 78); Etoski (Luthi, min. 57), Bomo (Tschanz, min. 78), Jost (Dalipi, min. 63), Mendes; Rufener (Van der Sluis, min. 57), Tsimba.
Goals: 0-1, Jost (min. 32); 1-1, Hugo Alba (min. 35); 2-1, Arnau Prades (min. 40); 3-1, Gistau (min. 65); 3-2, Mendes (min. 80); 4-2, Pedro Fernández (min. 90).
Referee: Jakob Sundberg. Yellow cards were issued to Jetzer, Bomo, and Walton.