Barcelona Starts Asia Tour Friendly Against Vissel Kobe

FC Barcelona is set to begin their preseason tour in Asia with a friendly match against Japanese side Vissel Kobe, marking the start of preparations for the 2025-26 season under manager Hansi Flick. The Catalans will feature new signing Joan Garcia in goal, who is expected to become the club's first-choice goalkeeper following Marc-André ter Stegen's surgery. The defensive lineup is likely to include Pau Cubarsi and Iñigo Martínez at center-back, with Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia or Jules Koundé covering the flanks, while the midfield will showcase talents such as Gavi, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez. Attacking options will see the debut of Marcus Rashford, although the manager may initially rely on a familiar attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres to build momentum. The friendly offers Barcelona a chance to integrate new signings, test young academy prospects, and regain match fitness ahead of the official season. Overall, this match is viewed as both a morale boost and a tactical evaluation for the reigning La Liga champions.