Barcelona is back: Team secure first win on Asia Tour as Rashford makes debut

FC Barcelona opened their preseason with a 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe. With fresh chemistry and strong performances from Rashford, Lewandowski, and Roony, Barça’s future looks unstoppable with depth in attack.
Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Preseason Friendly
Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Preseason Friendly | Paul Miller/GettyImages

FC Barcelona has hit the ground running, taking the win in their first preseason match against Vissel Kobe. After a 12-hour flight to Japan and the buzz surrounding a phenomenal new teammate, FC Barça has returned to remind us all why they are more than just a club.

The strategy and momentum of the game were hard to miss with a strong starting XI. It felt like enjoying an appetizer before the full-course meal and still, somehow, being satisfied. With the arrival of a key new player, Marcus Rashford, it’s official: FC Barcelona has crafted a powerful team for the season ahead, and they’re looking unstoppable.

Marcus Rashford, repping Barça with the number 14 on his back, delivered clean and powerful dribbles throughout the match. Every time he had the ball, you could feel the balance and control in his footwork – smooth, sharp, and intentional.

At around the 55-minute mark, the score was tied 1-1 after Vissel equalized and Eric García had scored the opening goal for FC Barcelona. As the game continued, Rashford, Lewandowski, and Roony moved like a triple threat. Rashford led the charge with an assist and a clean pass to Lewandowski. Then, Lewandowski delivered a sharp aim toward Roony allowing him to finish the play and score the second goal for Barça.

FC Barcelona took the lead but didn’t get comfortable. After the team maintained possession and held the pace, Pedro Fernández stepped up at the 86th minute sending a clean strike from midfield into the net. That final goal sealed the match 3-1 in favor of the European giant.

This game radiated energy, strategy, and momentum. FC Barcelona used this preseason opportunity to set the tone for their future. They worked together to successfully prove exactly what they’re capable of. The future of Barça is bright, with key players leading the charge. As a team, they’re powerful, focused, and full of drive and you can feel it through the screen.

Although it was a friendly match, it was also a friendly win. Visca Barça.