Barcelona showcased their trademark dominance, securing a commanding 3-1 victory over Vissel Kobe in a pre-season friendly.
Barcelona’s 3-1 win against Vissel Kobe in a pre-season friendly on July 27, 2025, at Noevir Stadium provided a valuable opportunity for Hansi Flick to assess his squad.
With 81.1% possession, Barcelona displayed their characteristic dominance, but the match also revealed areas needing refinement.
Goals from young talents and new signings, alongside tactical shifts, secured the victory, offering critical insights as the 2025-26 season approaches.
Here are the 5 things we learned:
1. Youth Talent Steps Up:
Sixteen-year-old Pedro Fernández delivered a standout moment with a stunning volley to seal the 3-1 scoreline.
His performance highlights the strength of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, showing that young players can handle high-pressure situations.
This gives Flick confidence to integrate youth prospects for squad depth and future success.
2. Defensive Work in Progress:
Despite controlling the game, Barcelona’s high defensive line was exposed, with Pau Cubarsí’s error leading to Vissel Kobe’s equalizer in the 42nd minute.
The team struggled against long balls, underscoring the need to improve defensive positioning and communication to counter such threats effectively.
3. New Signings Make Impact:
Marcus Rashford, debuting for Barcelona, showed flair and nearly assisted a goal, while goalkeeper Joan García provided stability with key saves.
Their contributions signal that recent additions can enhance the squad’s quality, offering Flick reliable options for the upcoming season.
4. Midfield Control Needs Sharper Output:
Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong dominated midfield with creativity and intensity, but Barcelona struggled to convert first-half possession into clear chances.
Improving attacking transitions will be crucial to fully capitalize on their midfield prowess in competitive matches.
5. Tactical Flexibility Pays Off:
Flick’s second-half substitutions, including Roony Bardghji, who scored the second goal, shifted the game’s momentum.
This adaptability highlights Flick’s ability to make effective in-game adjustments, a key strength for navigating challenging fixtures in the season ahead.
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