FC Barcelona are set to face Italian side Como in the 2025 edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, marking Cesc Fabregas’ return to the club—this time as a coach. With this being the final tune-up before the official season kicks off, Lamine Yamal will aim to secure his second Joan Gamper title.
The Blaugrana have enjoyed an impressive preseason, which included a tour through Asia and the Pacific. With coach Hansi Flick rotating the squad and giving minutes to nearly every player, Barca enter this clash in fine form, having beaten Vissel Kobe 3-1, FC Seoul 7-3, and Daegu FC 5-0. Como will be their last test before competitive action begins.
On the other side, Serie A outfit Como could prove Barcelona’s toughest preseason opponent yet. Fabregas’ team have put together a four-game winning streak, defeating notable opposition such as French side LOSC Lille (3-2), Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Ahli (3-1), Dutch giants Ajax (3-0), and LaLiga’s Real Betis (3-2) in an impressive run.
Yamal lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy in 2023 after coming on in the 80th minute of Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur. In 2024, however, he entered in the 66th minute for Robert Lewandowski but couldn’t prevent a 3-2 defeat to AS Monaco, denying him back-to-back titles in the prestigious friendly’s history.
Barcelona without Robert Lewandowski
As in previous editions, Barcelona are expected to field a strong starting XI in pursuit of the Joan Gamper Trophy, even if it is a friendly. However, Flick will be without one of his biggest stars, Robert Lewandowski.
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Barcelona issued a brief statement on the striker’s status. “The first team player Robert Lewandowski has a hamstring problem in his left thigh. The striker is unavailable for Sunday’s game and his recovery will determine his return,” the statement read, sidelining him for the match against Como.
Projected lineups for Barcelona and Como
FC Barcelona’s projected lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Marcus Rashford.
Como’s projected lineup (4-3-3): Jean Butez; Ivan Smolcic, Edoardo Goldaniga, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Alex Valle; Sergi Roberto, Maxence Caqueret, Lucas Da Cunha; Nico Paz, Patrick Cutrone, Assane Diao.
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