Daegu FC and FC Barcelona face each other this Monday in South Korea (13:00 CEST) in what will be the last friendly of the Asian tour for Hansi Flick's team. The team arrives in great form, after the thrashing against FC Seoul (3-7) and with a balance of 10 goals scored in just two matches.
The tour started with the match against Vissel Kobe (1-3), where Eric García, Roony Bardghji and 'Dro' Fernández scored the culé goals. Afterwards, in the South Korean capital, Barça showed off its entire offensive arsenal with doubles from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and three more goals courtesy of Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen and Gavi.
In principle, it is likely that Flick will initially opt for most of the usual substitutes, while the gala XI would be reserved for the second half. For now, the only ones who have not seen minutes on the tour are goalkeepers Iñaki Peña and Diego Kochen.
Barça, going for another thrashing against the bottom team of the South Korean league
Of the three rivals faced on the tour, Daegu is undoubtedly the weakest. Kim Byung-soo's team is last in their league with just 14 points after 24 matchdays played, 18 points behind the last rival of the Azulgrana team, Seoul (fourth with 36 units).
Daegu has only won three matches this season and has not added three points in a match since last May 3, when they won at home against Jeju United (3-1). Since then, they have only salvaged four draws in 15 appearances.
Their defense, moreover, is the worst in the league with 45 goals conceded (1.87 per match), so it is likely that Barcelona will round off a very large result at the close of their Asian expedition.
The Azulgrana team will return to Catalonia on Tuesday and, after a couple of days of rest, will prepare for the Joan Gamper Trophy next Sunday against Como of Italy. Six days later LaLiga 25/26 will start, with the visit to Mallorca.
Hansi Flick will take the opportunity to give more minutes to the usual substitutes
Considering the low difficulty of the rival, it is likely that most of the usual substitutes will enjoy more minutes on Monday in Daegu. Players like Héctor Fort and Andreas Christensen still do not have their continuity assured and a standout performance in the last friendly before returning to Barcelona can help them add 'girlfriends' in the market.
The Dane, however, has no intention of leaving. The full-back, on the other hand, knows that he will have few opportunities with Jules Koundé and Eric García ahead. It will also be a good opportunity for Bardghji, who scored on his debut and has good chances of staying in the first team, although with a reserve team card.
The other newly arrived forward, Marcus Rashford, is gradually adding minutes to mesh in a scheme that suits him perfectly. The Englishman will be the first alternative for the left wing and already gave an assist against Seoul.