FC Barcelona defeated Vissel Kobe 3-1 in a club friendly match today, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, Japan, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience in their first pre-season game. Eric García opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, but Taisei Miyashiro equalized for Vissel Kobe just before halftime. Late goals from Roony Bardghji and Pedro Fernández in the 87th and 89th minutes, respectively, sealed the victory, with Marcus Rashford making his debut for Barça. The match, part of Barcelona’s pre-season tour, highlighted their dominance with 80.9% possession and nine shot attempts compared to Kobe’s five.
Analytically, Barcelona’s performance underscored their ability to capitalize on late opportunities, with Bardghji’s standout contribution — scoring, completing 100% of his dribbles, and achieving 84% passing accuracy in 47 minutes — signaling his potential as a key player. Vissel Kobe, despite the home advantage, struggled to convert chances, managing only three shots on goal. The match reflected Barcelona’s tactical edge under new management, though their defense showed vulnerabilities, conceding to Miyashiro’s strike. This win sets a positive tone for Barcelona’s pre-season, with upcoming fixtures likely to test their squad depth further.
