The Catalan team returns to action by defeating Costa Rica (2-0)

5,352 fans gathered at the Johan Cruyff Stadium to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Catalan Football Federation. The atmosphere was great.

During the opening minutes, Costa Rica began dominating the ball. The Costa Rican national team had two scoring opportunities in six minutes. Catalonia, however, took control of the game through possession. Former Betis player Àlex Moreno began to struggle on the left flank. Thus, the first clear chance for the Catalans came through the boots of former Barça player Ferran Jutglà. The Sant Julià de Vilatorta native shot from inside the opponent's box, but the shot didn't have enough spin to go in. Meanwhile, Costa Rican number 10 Christopher Núñez led the opponent's counterattacks. However, former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas and Joan García didn't have much to do.

Keita Balde's speed and dribbling speed up the game.

The substitutions shook up the Catalan national team. The introduction of Keita Balde livened up the game. The Arbúcies native showcased his repertoire of speed and bicycle kicks, which he had been keeping in his pocket during the first half. However, minutes later, Costa Rican striker Anthony Hernández denied the Catalans a 1-0 deficit due to a defensive error. In the 57th minute, one of the game's key players, Keylor Navas, left the field without first stopping a cross from the ever-present Keita Balde.

The first goal of the match came in the 70th minute. The effort stemmed from an exquisite touch by Sergi Cardona to Keita Balde. The Italian Monza player only had to pass the ball to Antoniu Roca, who then slotted it into the right post of the Costa Rican goal. In the final moments of the match, the Catalans got their second. In the 89th minute, Carles Aleñá finished off an excellent cross from Altimira to make it 2-0. The Catalan national team will play against Chile on Sunday, June 1. The Catalans will be without both Blaugrana Ballon d'Or winners, Aitana and Alexia.