Kiko Seike strikes but Albion lose 3-1 to Barcelona in friendly

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Champions League holders win the Joan Gamper Trophy after scoring three first-half goals.

Heather Miller

2026-08-21T21:45+01:00

Albion surround goalscorer Kiko Seike as they celebrate her equaliser against Barcelona. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Kiko Seike produced a fine finish to draw Albion level but Champions League holders Barcelona won the Joan Gamper Trophy with a 3-1 victory in Friday’s pre-season friendly at the EstadiJohan Cruyff.

The fixture brought to an end a busy pre-season training camp for Dario Vidosic and his players with the WSL opener against Arsenal now just over a fortnight away.

Albion went behind after five minutes. Irene Paredes floated a deep cross over the defence to Esmee Brugts, whose effort slid past Melina Loeck.

Kiko Seike is left frustrated after missing an opportunity. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Barcelona kept up the pressure, but Albion eventually settled into a rhythm and began to create chances.

A long goal kick from Loeck found Fran Kirby charging forward and the former Lioness drove a dangerous ball across the face of goal toward Kiko Seike, but goalkeeper Cata Coll safely collected her effort.

But Seike then made her mark to level. Latching onto a cross from Jelena Cankovic, the forward struck a brilliantly angled finish past the keeper and into the top corner to make it 1-1.

Olaug Tvedten forces Tyler McCamey into another save. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Both sides traded chances in an end-to-end contest before Barca skipper Parades created her second goal with a pass to Pina which the attacker effortlessly controlled before dancing her way around two Brighton defenders and slotting home.

Albion tried to retaliate,but the home defence remained alert to their threats and scored a third goal in the 31st minute when winger Caroline Graham cut out Manuela Vanegas’s attempted pass and went through to beat Loeck.

Madison Haley is denied in the second half. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Barcelona’s Tyler McCamey made several key saves to keep Albion at bay in the second half when both sides rang the changes and it finished 3-1.

Albion: Loeck, Rule (sub: Auee, 46), Hayes (Minami, 62), Vanegas (George, 62), Olislagers (Warren, 86), Joramo (Tvedten, 62), Symonds (c), Cankovic, Kirby (Peskett, 77), Seike (Murphy, 77), Haley (Garcia, 77).