Well, that was an eventful start to the pre-season, wasn't it? After a bit of back-and-forth drama that almost saw the game cancelled, Barcelona finally took to the pitch in Japan against a spirited Vissel Kobe. The match gave us everything we love about these summer friendlies: a debut for a big new signing, goals, and a glimpse into what the future holds for Hansi Flick’s squad. The Catalans ultimately came out on top with a solid 3-1 win, but the story was so much more than just the final score.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Vissel Kobe in their pre-season friendly in Japan.
- ✓ Former Manchester United star Marcus Rashford made his highly anticipated debut for Barcelona, playing for about 30 minutes.
- ✓ Goals for Barça came from Eric Garcia, Roony Bardghji, and a stunner from Pedro Sarmiento.
- ✓ The recently-turned 18-year-old Lamine Yamal was handed the iconic No. 10 jersey and was lively throughout the first half.
- ✓ The match, played at the Noevir Stadium, was almost cancelled due to a contractual dispute but went ahead as planned.
A First Half of Two Extremes
The game kicked off with Barcelona looking to control the tempo, playing out from the back and dominating possession as you'd expect. Early on, the new No. 10, Lamine Yamal, was a constant threat on the right flank, giving the home fans something to cheer about every time he touched the ball. Despite the early pressure and chances from players like Ferran Torres and Raphinha, Barça couldn't find an immediate breakthrough. Vissel Kobe, the former club of the legendary Andres Iniesta, weren't just there to make up the numbers.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 33rd minute. Following a corner kick, a bit of a scramble ensued in the penalty box, and it was defender Eric Garcia who managed to pounce on the loose ball and find the back of the net. Just when it seemed Barça would head into the break with a comfortable lead, a late mistake changed everything. In the 43rd minute, Pau Cubarsi lost the ball in the midfield, allowing Vissel Kobe to launch a swift counter-attack. A shot from Sasaki was saved, but Taisei Miyashiro was there to tap in the rebound, making it 1-1 right before halftime.
The Debut Everyone Was Waiting For
The second half began with the change everyone was anticipating. England's Marcus Rashford was brought on, making his first appearance in a Barcelona shirt. He immediately slotted in on the left flank and looked incredibly lively from the get-go. Within minutes, he was pressing high, intercepting a pass, and driving into the box to create a chance. It was clear he was eager to make an impression.
Rashford gave us a taste of what's to come, showing off his versatility by popping up in different positions. In the 59th minute, we saw him trying to combine with veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, a sight that Barça fans will need to get used to. He nearly bagged an assist on his debut in the 69th minute, setting up Roony Bardghji in the box, but the shot sailed over the bar. He even had a go himself with a low, grounded shot that the keeper saved. It was a promising 30-minute cameo that showcased his intent and attacking prowess.
Catalans Pull Away and Seal the Win
While Vissel Kobe held their own, Barcelona's quality eventually shone through in the latter stages of the match. The go-ahead goal came in the 77th minute. Lewandowski, holding up the ball, spotted the run of Roony Bardghji. A perfectly weighted pass found Roony, who coolly side-footed the ball first-time into the far corner of the net to make it 2-1. It was a clinical finish that broke the deadlock and put Barça back in control.
The nail in the coffin was a moment of pure brilliance in the 87th minute. A long ball floated in by Kounde found Dani Olmo, whose touch was a bit heavy. But it didn't matter, because Pedro Sarmiento was lurking right at the edge of the box. He hit it first-time, unleashing a stunning strike that fizzed past the keeper and into the back of the net. It was a fantastic goal to cap off the victory and showcase the depth of talent in the squad. Despite a late chance for Lewandowski, the match ended Vissel Kobe 1-3 Barcelona.
More Than Just a Friendly Match
This trip was about more than just 90 minutes of football. It marked Barça's return to Japan after a six-year absence, and the club made sure to connect with its local fanbase. Before the game, there was an institutional meeting with the Penya FC Barcelona Japan and the Penya Blaugrana Shanghai, showing the club's global reach. About 60 members from the supporters' clubs were in attendance, a great touch for the dedicated fans in the region.
The club also held a welcome dinner, attended by first-team players like Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha. Barça president Joan Laporta delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his pride in being there. He specifically mentioned the city's resilience, honoring the victims of the devastating 1995 Kobe earthquake. "We feel admiration and respect for this resilient and cosmopolitan city," Laporta said, highlighting how fundamental it is for the club to be close to its Japanese fans. It was a classy gesture that showed the visit was as much about building bridges as it was about preparing for the season.
Conclusion
So, what's the bottom line? This was a fantastic start to Barcelona's pre-season tour. A 3-1 win is always a good result, but the real value came from seeing new faces integrate and young talent shine. Marcus Rashford's debut was a major highlight, giving fans a taste of the excitement he'll bring, while the goals from Bardghji and Sarmiento proved that the team has plenty of firepower beyond its starting eleven. It was a valuable run-out for Hansi Flick's men, shaking off the rust and building momentum for what promises to be a thrilling 2025-26 campaign.
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