Report: Vissel Kobe 1-3 Barcelona

Barcelona defeated Vissel Kobe 3-1 in a pre-season friendly in Japan, featuring debuts for Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford. Bardghji marked his debut with a goal.

The club's pre-season tour faced initial chaos due to payment issues, forcing them to cancel and then reinstate the first leg after resolution. The squad, missing captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, delayed its travel but arrived on Friday.

Facing J1 League champions Vissel Kobe, Barcelona fielded a strong lineup including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri. They took the lead after half an hour through Eric Garcia's goal in a goalmouth scramble. Vissel Kobe equalized before halftime via Taisei Miyashiro after Joan Garcia saved Daiju Sasaki's initial effort.

Barcelona made 11 changes at halftime, introducing Bardghji and Rashford. Rashford played 33 minutes before being substituted shortly after Barcelona regained the lead. The second goal came from Bardghji, who arrived from Copenhagen for €2m; he finished into the bottom-left corner after being set up by Robert Lewandowski, following an incisive pass from Rashford. Substitute Dro Fernandez added a late third goal with a low volley from the edge of the area.

Despite limited minutes (33) as he builds fitness after being exiled from Manchester United training, Rashford had a positive impact. He registered four touches in the opposition area (second only to Dani Olmo), hit the target with his only shot, created one chance, and won possession in the final third twice.