Despite being unable to taste victory against Club America in Dallas, Barcelona fulfilled one of the major objectives of playing a mid-season friendly, and that was the generation of €5 million in funds.
However, the financial benefit was not the only takeaway, as youngsters from La Masia were able to make their senior team debuts, albeit unofficially.
Five Barcelona players made their unofficial senior debut against Club America in Dallas: goalkeepers Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen, centre-backs Pau Cubarsi and Mamadou Mbacke, and left-back Gerard Martin.
Cubarsi, who has been one of the major revelations in the youth ranks this season, commented on the tremendous opportunity. Expressing his gratitude, he remarked (h/t Mundo Deportivo):
“I am very happy; it has been a dream since I was little. I have always been a Cule, and I have always wanted this moment to come, even if it is a friendly.
“I have always worked hard in every training session and in every game to continue improving, and now that the time has come, I think I have measured up and I will continue working in each training session to have more opportunities; they are unique experiences that I have never had before.”
Astralaga replaced Inaki Pena between the sticks, as the youngster is now the second-choice goalkeeper in Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s absence.
“It is an incredible experience. When you arrive at the academy as a child, you see it very far away, but the time has come, and it is very exciting. I am happy to be able to enjoy moments like this; it encourages me to work even harder. It is a very good experience; it always adds up, and we have enjoyed it a lot,” he said.
Gerard Martin, the talented 21-year-old left-back, exclaimed that it was a dream come true for him and that he would cherish this moment forever.
He stated: “Despite it being a friendly game, it is a source of pride for me, it is something you always dream of, and I am very happy, even though we couldn’t win, because of the experience.
“In addition to the game, living all these things are incredible. Xavi told us to stay calm and play as we knew how.”
American goalkeeper Diego Kochen, 17, created history by being Barça’s youngest goalkeeper to debut.
Speaking on the honor, he said, “I am very happy to have this opportunity and to return home; it is a blessing. Thanks to Xavi and my teammates for this moment.”
Lastly, the 21-year-old Senegalese center-back Mbacke also reacted to getting an opportunity with the first team..
“It was a very important game for me, a great experience on such a big stage in Dallas,” he said.
