Barcelona 3-0 Juventus: 5 talking points as Blaugrana decimate the Bianconeri | Joan Gamper Trophy 2021 

#3 Neto brings his A-game for Barcelona

Neto was unbeatable iin the Barcelona goal against Juventus

That Barcelona kept a clean sheet against Juventus had little to do with their defensive organization and a lot to do with their goalkeeper's heroics.

Neto was virtually a brick wall between the sticks and proved to be up to the task with everything thrown at him. Juventus sliced open the Barcelona defense time and again only to be denied by the brilliant Brazilian. Neto made six saves on the night against his former employers to preserve his side's clean sheet.

𝙈𝙑𝙋 ! 𝙈𝙑𝙋 ! 𝙈𝙑𝙋 !@Neto_Murara ✋#BarçaJuve #TrofeuGamper ⭐️ @EstrellaDammUK ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/gyrD9RQ7U7

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021

The pick of the bunch came at the start of the second half. Neto's instinctive reflexes saw him dive low to his left to keep out Federico Chiesa's snap shot that was destined for the bottom corner.

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#2 Riqui Puig sends a statement of intent to Ronald Koeman

Riqui Puig in action for Barcelona during the 2020-21 season

Riqui Puig was one of the few bright spots in Quique Setien's disastrous half-season in charge of Barcelona. The midfielder was undoubtedly one of the Catalan's best players post-lockdown in 2020. It was expected that the La Masia graduate will build on that to become a mainstay in midfield but that has not been the case.

Riqui Puig is well-versed in the demands of Barcelona, having spent most of his formative years at the club. However, Ronald Koeman has pointedly stated that the 21-year-old is not part of his plans and has given him the green light to seek playing time elsewhere.

This has created a sort of impasse, as Puig himself is adamant about proving himself at his boyhood club. A large section of the fanbase is also in support of the Spaniard and has turned against Koeman for his actions.

That Puig has not had more minutes has not been for want of trying on his part. The Spain U-21 international has made the most of the limited time he has gotten on the field. It has been the case once again in pre-season and he has two goals from five games, despite starting just one of those games.

90+2' | Puig scores a third.#BarçaJuve [3-0] #ForzaJuve

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) August 8, 2021

Puig was brought on with 20 minutes to go against Juventus but he managed to get on the scoresheet and the full range of his abilities were on display. He received the ball 20 yards out with his back to goal and took one touch to set himself up and evade a tackle behind him. Puig then expertly placed the ball into the top left corner.

A one-time finish on his weaker foot made the goal all the more impressive. It would have given Ronald Koeman something to think about as the cameras zoomed in on him after the wonder strike.

With his displays in pre-season, Riqui Puig has sent a huge statement of intent to play a starring role for Barcelona this term. Whether Koeman takes heed remains to be seen.

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#1 Sharp Cristiano Ronaldo was Juventus' brightest spark in the first half

Cristiano Ronaldo had three shots on target in the first half for Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo was a thorn in the flesh for Barcelona for nine years as a Real Madrid player. The Portugal international continued his good run against the Catalans with a brace in the colors of Juventus when they met last year in the Champions League group stage.

The 36-year-old started this game brightly and had the first shot on target for Juventus early on. He also forced a save from Neto with a well-taken free-kick on the stroke of halftime. Ronaldo's presence and movement proved too much for the Barcelona defense to handle and it came as no surprise that Juventus were the more dominant side in the first half.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was substituted at halftime and the Bianconeri unsurprisingly lost their way in attack.

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