Barcelona vs Chelsea result: Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley score in win as Antoine Griezmann impresses

Barcelona 1-2 Chelsea: The young Chelsea side gave Frank Lampard plenty to be happy about

Chelsea’s youngsters inspired the side to an impressive 2-1 victory against Barcelona to give Frank Lampard plenty to be hopeful about for the coming season.

Against a strong Barcelona team, Chelsea asserted themselves and deservedly took the lead in the first half, albeit in fortuitous fashion as the ball deflected into Tammy Abraham's path to score when through on goal.

Ross Barkley added a second late in the game as Chelsea saw off their Spanish opponents to get their pre-season back on track following a disappointing showing last time out.

In their first pre-season match, Barcelona showed glimpses of good play, particularly Antoine Griezmann, who made his first appearance for the club since joining from Atletico Madrid. Ivan Rakitic scored the goal of the game with a fine, slow-rising strike from outside the area in added time.

Here are five things we learned

1. Abraham stakes claim to lead the line

Abraham showed Lampard exactly why he should be starting for Chelsea instead of Olivier Giroud or Michy Batshuayi. It is not clear who the new Chelsea manager will favour, but against Barcelona he chose to start the youngster and he was rewarded for his decision.

Abraham scored the only goal of the first half after a fortuitous defection fell his way. Through on goal, Abraham showed compose to shift the ball between his feet and calmly slotted an effort past ter Stegen.

The 21-year-old was causing problems for the Barcelona back line throughout the game and in a way that you feel Giroud may not. His energy and effort to chase everything and his running behind was key to Chelsea’s success; Gerard Pique will almost certainly have had an easy half marking the less-mobile Giroud. Batshuayi's fitness remains his biggest competition.

Chelsea's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring their first goal (REUTERS)

2. Lampard encouraged by tactical show

Lampard gave us another glimpse of how we can expect Chelsea to line up next season and what kind of shape they might use.

The Blues began with what seemed a 4-2-3-1 formation that packed the midfield space, although Mason Mount, playing as a number 10, often dropped deep out of possession.

Jorginho and Kovacic started as the deeper players, although Kante is likely to line up alongside the Italian when the season begins once he has recovered from injury. Kante was clearly missed as Barcelona often had a couple of half-chances from the sort of areas the Frenchman covers.

Chelea were good value for their victory (Getty)

In possession there was always options for the player with the ball, and good options, not just standard sideways and backwards passes. The width was balanced and the unit was tight when defending. This is definitely a positive sign for Lampard.

3. Emerson and Pulisic star in new-look side

There was pockets of promise all over the pitch, but the two players that stakes the biggest claims at becoming first-team regulars were seen causing havoc on the left-flank.

Emerson and Christian Pulisic were everywhere in the first 45 minutes and had Barcelona scrambling to contain them as their direct running drove Chelsea into dangerous areas.

Despite it being Pulisic’s first start and the duo’s first outing together, the chemistry seems to already be in place. There was a good understanding between the two, they never got in each other’s way and instinctively knew where their passes were going. You feel the only way is up for this pair, which will go some way to replacing Eden Hazard’s goals and assists.

4. Griezmann offers glimpse of Barcelona future

Griezmann was good in his first Barcelona outing, really good. The French forward has seamlessly eased his way into Barcelona’s style of play and the potential of the rewards it could bring are exciting.

His close control is something that Barcelona were keen to use in and around the penalty area as he combined with his teammates using neat flicks and one-twos to create openings in dangerous positions.

None of these glimpses proved especially fruitful, but the thought of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez working alongside them is exciting.

Frenkie de Jong came on in the second half, but his performance was overshadowed by a display by another youngster, Riqui Puig. The Barcelona B team star was one of their better players in the first half, although you wonder how many opportunities Ernesto Valverde will give him this season.

5. Barkley set for biggest Chelsea season yet

This season was always going to be a big one for Ross Barkley. His time at Chelsea has been hampered with injury and the fact that they are blessed with midfielders.

He came on for the last 30 minutes against Barcelona and really changed the game in the final third. Playing as a number 10, his favourite position, he showed a fantastic eye for a pass and the Barcelona defenders were unable to get close to him.

He capped off a fine cameo with a decent strike from range to wrap up the win, controlling the ball then sending it beyond the goalkeeper with his left-foot just outside the penalty area.