Barça’s victory was confirmed close to the full-time whistle, as La Masia starlet Pedro Fernández drilled home a half-volley from the edge of the box. Subs not used: Iñaki Peña (GK), Diego Kochen, Hector Fort, Guille Fernández, Antonio Fernández.

Yes, it was Barca’s first minutes of pre-season, but Vissel Kobe were slap bang in the middle of their league season, and are currently top of the league whilst chasing a three-peat of titles. However, only in the last few minutes of the first half when they scored the equaliser, had the hosts shown anything like the urgency required.

FC Barcelona have officially announced their starting lineup for the friendly match against Japanese side Vissel Kobe, marking the beginning of their pre-season tour in Asia. After two weeks of

As for Vissel Kobe, they have a bit of a break before returning to J1 League action. After Sunday’s friendly, the Japanese league leaders face Toyo University in the Emperor’s Cup on August 6 before resuming their league campaign against Machida Zelvia four days later.

WELCOME TO THE NOEVIR STADIUM KOBE!!! The beautiful home of Vissel Kobe in Kobe, Japan is the site of the first game of Barcelona’s preseason tour of Asia, as Hansi Flick’s troops begin preparations for the new season.