FC Barcelona won its originally canceled friendly match against Vissel Kobe 3-1. A new signing kept goal for the first time, while another scored his first goal.
As FC Barcelona went ahead with its planned friendly against Vissel Kobe after all, new signing Rashford made his debut for the Blaugrana – but was substituted after coming on at half-time with his side leading 2-1. Coach Hansi Flick made a number of changes for the Catalans, replacing his entire starting XI at the break.
New keeper Garcia guarded the goal in the first half, while Marc-André ter Stegen, who has been sidelined due to back surgery, did not travel to Asia at all. Garcia also wore ter Stegen’s number 1 on his back. Barca took the lead from a corner by Eric (33′), who was quickest to react in the chaos in Kobe’s penalty area and pushed the ball over the line. Shortly before half-time, however, Barcelona and Garcia conceded the equaliser after Cubarsi lost possession. The new keeper initially saved, but was powerless against Miyashiro a few seconds later (42′).
Bardghji celebrates on debut – against Seoul on Thursday
Another new signing then put the Catalans back in front: Rashford played a long ball to Lewandowski, who crossed to Bardghji. Arai had no chance of saving his powerful and well-placed shot into the far corner (77). The goalkeeper was also powerless to prevent Dro Fernandez, who had come on as a substitute shortly before, from making it 3-1. The 17-year-old finished off a poorly cleared attack by the Japanese defense with a drop kick from the second row (87).
The game against Kobe was Barca’s first test on their Asian tour. On Thursday, they will face FC Seoul.
