Game 1 of Group B saw RSC Andylecht meet CF Fuego. RSC Andylecht had been here before, entering the 2023 Barcelona Fives with two teams with the second team being Substandard Liege . The RSC Andylecht team finished 5 th of 7 teams in Group A but that doesn't tell the whole story. They only had 2 defeats which were both to the eventual Cup finalists. It was 3 draws that stunted their progress up the table but they did qualify for the Plate. They beat Dumpling CF 3-0 in the QF before going out 1-0 to Mitre FC A in the SF. Again, this doesn't tell the whole story as Mitre FC A went on to win the Plate and were also Cup runners-up at our 2024 Prague Tournament.

Both sides were eager to make a strong start and stamp their authority early in what looked to be a very competitive group – on paper at least. The game was played at a brisk tempo, with RSC Andylecht showing some tidy football in possession but finding it difficult to carve out clear chances against a well-organised CF Fuego defence. CF Fuego for their part were combining composure at the back with quick transitions going forward. Despite the even balance of play, it was CF Fuego who found the breakthrough — Ed Goggs producing a decisive finish to give his team a narrow but precious 1-0 lead.

That goal ultimately proved to be the difference. In the second half, RSC Andylecht pushed hard for an equaliser, moving the ball with urgency and trying to stretch the Fuego back line, but they couldn't quite find the final touch needed to level the score. CF Fuego, meanwhile, managed the game with maturity, holding firm under pressure and seeing out the closing stages with calm discipline. When the final whistle blew, they had secured a valuable 1-0 victory — the perfect way to begin their campaign. RSC Andylecht would feel frustrated not to have earned a point for their efforts, but their performance suggested that results would surely follow later in the day.

Argon'ze B were making their 8th appearance in our tournaments since their debut in 2016 here at the Barcelona Fives. This was their fifth appearance in Barcelona to go with travels to the Mallorca Fives, Budapest Fives and Amsterdam Fives. The team will have seen Argon'ze A make a fast start with victory in Group A and they would be looking to match their tour-mates. Their opponents would be RSC Andylecht who had already warmed up in game one, albeit with a narrow 1-0 defeat. They were looking to bounce back and get their first points on the board.

The game began at a steady pace, with both teams taking time to find their footing and measure each other up. Both teams showed some tidy play in midfield and looked comfortable on the ball, but neither side were able to impose themselves in a dominant fashion. Chances were limited in the first half as both goalkeepers were alert to danger, ensuring the deadlock remained unbroken going into the interval.

The second half followed a similar pattern until Chris Bishop provided the decisive moment. Bishop finished with aplomb to give Andylecht the all-important breakthrough. From that point, the English side defended solidly, showing composure and organisation to preserve their slender lead. The match finished 1-0 to RSC Andylecht, a vital result that got their campaign up and running. For Argon'ze B, it was a respectable opening performance with signs of potential.

We previewed Sharks debut at the 2021 Barcelona Fives earlier where they were runners-up. At the 2022 edition of the tournament they began superbly with 4 wins and a draw to win Group A and remained unbeaten. In the Cup Quarter Finals they suffered a 2-1 defeat to FC Yol. In 2023 they return to action with 4 wins and 2 draws to again go unbeaten in the group phase as they finished in second place and qualified for the Cup competition. In the Semi-Final they drew 1-1 with 2x former champions Club Esportiu Llefia before progressing 3-1 on penalties. They met defending champions Norfolk N Chance in the Cup Final but fell just short as the English side retained their title, 3-2.

Sharks had reached the Cup on all three previous appearances in this event and they looked good to do the same again after an opening 4-0 win today. Match 2 against CF Fuego was potentially going to be trickier as CF Fuego also opened up with a victory (against RSC Andylecht). The game began brightly, with CF Fuego pressing with intent and rewarded when Josh Furlonger opened the scoring to make it 1-0. The Spaniards, however, showed their class soon after, equalising through Joel Garcia, who continued his fine scoring form. The contest was fast-paced and competitive, with both sides showing plenty of attacking flair but also strong defensive discipline when needed.

The second half was just as engaging. Ed Goggs restored CF Fuego's lead to make it 2-1, but Sharks once again showed their resilience. Garcia popped up with another goal — his fourth of the tournament — to make it 2-2 and ensure the points were shared. It was a fitting result between two excellent sides who had both shown quality and character. At the halfway stage, Sharks led Group B on goal difference, while CF Fuego sat right behind them, both looking strong contenders for a place in the Cup competition.

We were not at the halfway stage of Group B yet – but we would get there with Southgate County versus Argon'ze B.

Southgate County, like Argon'ze, were making their 8 th appearance in our events. Their most recent appearance with us was the 2024 Prague Tournament. In the Open Age section they began well with a 2-1 win over The Shirker's Rest, 3-0 over BP Hatters, 2-0 over Mitre FC B and 4-2 over Moles Salah B. The only disappointment came with a 4-1 defeat to Foot 130 B in their final group game, a defeat that cost them top spot in the table but they still qualified for the Cup. The Cup Semi-Final was a match too far as they lost to eventual champions Foot 130 A, 9-1.

Today, they were competing on two fronts with a team in the Sevens and a team in the Fives. Both teams came into this one eager to get their campaigns up and running after suffering defeats in their opening matches. Southgate County started with energy and pressed high, looking to put early pressure on the French side. However, Argon'ze B were composed on the ball and grew steadily into the game. Their patience was rewarded when Mickail Voyiatzis broke the deadlock, giving them a 1-0 lead and a much-needed boost of confidence. Argon'ze B continued to control proceedings, keeping Southgate County at arm's length while threatening at the other end. Their persistence paid off when Mehdi Kassou added a second goal to seal the victory and secure their first points of the tournament. The 2-0 result was a solid and professional display from the French side, who looked far sharper and more organised than in their opening outing. For Southgate County, it was a frustrating afternoon where effort couldn't quite be turned into goals.

For the 2025 Barcelona Sevens report click here.

For the 2025 Barcelona Veterans report click here.

For the 2025 Barcelona Super Veterans report click here.