Barcelona’s Preseason Gets Off to a Winning Start After Off-Field Drama
It wasn’t just the action on the pitch that kept everyone talking about Barcelona’s preseason friendly with Vissel Kobe. Only days before kickoff, serious doubts surfaced about whether the match would even happen. A heated contractual spat between Barcelona and the local event promoters threatened to derail their first game of the 2025/26 preseason tour in Japan. But after tense negotiations and some quick back-and-forth earlier this week, cooler heads prevailed. Barcelona’s flight touched down in Kobe on Friday, with players and staff breathing a collective sigh of relief.
If you thought all the drama would sap Barcelona’s energy, you’d be wrong. At the buzzing Noevir Stadium Kobe, manager Hansi Flick didn’t hold back with his selections. He put out a strong starting XI, giving fans their first look at Joan García in a Barcelona shirt. García, a debutant at just 20 years old, strolled onto the pitch alongside another young standout, interim captain Pau Cubarsí. Both players looked right at home on the big stage, holding their own among more experienced teammates.
Youthful Edge and Midfield Brilliance Shine in Barcelona’s Win
The first half saw Barcelona laying down their style from the opening whistle. Lamine Yamal, who has been turning heads all summer, wasted no time showing why he’s billed as one of the most exciting teenagers around. His footwork caused problems early for Vissel Kobe’s defense, forcing goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa into a couple of sharp stops. On the wings, Yamal and Raphinha combined well, with one clever exchange nearly producing a goal—only for Maekawa to parry away Raphinha’s powerful header.
In the engine room, Gavi and Pedri were in charge. Their work rate and ability to keep the ball moving left Vissel Kobe chasing shadows for long stretches. That dominance paid off around the half-hour mark, as Eric García—getting forward for a set piece—powered home the game’s opening goal. You could see the new energy Flick has injected, and Barcelona’s fans were already buzzing about what lies ahead.
The second half, though, wasn’t all smooth sailing. Maybe it was preseason rust, maybe it was nerves, but Barcelona got a little too relaxed at the back. After a rare defensive lapse, Vissel Kobe’s in-form striker Taisei Miyashiro pounced on a rebound and leveled things up. The Japanese league leaders didn’t look out of place—they pressed high and went toe-to-toe for much of the match, fueled by a raucous home crowd.
But Barcelona’s quality showed in the final stages. Having regrouped and tightened up their passing, they pressed forward and eventually reclaimed the lead. Two late goals sealed a 3-1 result, giving Flick the kind of start he wanted to his preseason in charge of the Catalan giants. The win didn’t just showcase seasoned stars like Pedri and Gavi—it also highlighted Barcelona’s faith in their youth, from Cubarsí’s composure in defense to Joan García’s smooth debut between the posts.
Vissel Kobe, meanwhile, gave as good as they got for most of the match. Their aggressiveness and tactical discipline showed why they’re sitting atop Japan’s J1 League this year. Even so, the night belonged to Barcelona, who managed to shake off off-field stress, show off their up-and-coming talent, and walk away with a promising win as they ramp up preparations for the new season.