Rashford Dazzles in Barcelona Debut as Blaugrana Crush Vissel Kobe 3-1: Player Ratings
Barcelona kicked off their summer campaign with a triumphant 3-1 victory over Vissel Kobe in Japan on Sunday.
The match faced uncertainty during the week following what Barcelona considered a contractual violation by the organizer, though matters were settled in time for the La Liga titleholders to depart for Japan on Friday.
Hansi Flick selected a formidable starting lineup in Kobe, featuring plenty of Lamine Yamal, who now sports the No. 10 jersey, in the early proceedings. The newly-turned 18-year-old showed promise from the start, unleashing several threatening attempts at Daiya Maekawa's goal before setting up captain Raphinha, who channeled his inner Ronaldinho with his stylish play at the far post. The Brazilian's header was denied by Maekawa, though.
Vissel Kobe's aggressive high pressing challenged Barça's possession game, but Gavi and Pedri dominated the midfield battle. The Spanish pair orchestrated Blaugrana dominance throughout the first 45 minutes, with their control paying off through a scrappy set-piece strike from Eric García.
Nevertheless, Flick's squad struggled late in the first half, as a hint of overconfidence seeped into their performance. Following teenager Pau Cubarsí's dispossession, the J1 League frontrunners managed to equalize through top scorer Taisei Miyashiro after debutant Joan García had initially produced an excellent stop.
Eleven substitutions were made at halftime, with Flick deploying a completely fresh XI for the second period. Among the newcomers was Marcus Rashford, who finalized a loan transfer from Manchester United during the week. The England star was positioned on the left flank and showed energy without managing to provide the decisive moment.
Rather, it was fellow debutant Roony Bardghji who delivered for the away team. Barça had found it difficult to trouble substitute Shota Arai following the break, but the Vissel keeper had no answer to the winger's bending strike that nestled into the net.
Barça sealed their triumph near the final whistle, as La Masia prospect Pedro Fernández hammered home a half-volley from outside the penalty area.
Barcelona Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
*Player ratings provided by FotMob*
Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Joan García | 6.7 |
RB: Eric García | 8.0 |
CB: Iñigo Martínez | 6.6 |
CB: Pau Cubarsí | 6.3 |
LB: Alejandro Balde | 6.3 |
CM: Pedri | 7.2 |
CM: Gavi | 6.4 |
RW: Lamine Yamal | 6.5 |
AM: Fermín López | 6.3 |
LW: Raphinha | 6.8 |
ST: Ferran Torres | 6.6 |
SUB: Wojciech Szczęsny (46' for García) | 6.2 |
SUB: Jules Koundé (46' for García) | 6.4 |
SUB: Ronald Araújo (46' for Cubarsí) | 6.8 |
SUB: Andreas Christensen (46' for Martínez) | 6.4 |
SUB: Jofre Torrents (46' for Balde) | N/A |
SUB: Marc Casado (46' for Gavi) | 6.8 |
SUB: Frenkie de Jong (46' for Pedri) | 7.0 |
SUB: Dani Olmo (46' for López) | 6.6 |
SUB: Roony Bardghji (46' for Yamal) | 7.7 |
SUB: Marcus Rashford (46' for Raphinah) | 6.2 |
SUB: Robert Lewandowski (46' for Ferran) | 7.1 |
SUB: Gerard Martín (77' for Torrents) | 6.1 |
SUB: Pedro Fernández (78' for Rashford) | N/A |
Subs not used: Iñaki Peña (GK), Diego Kochen, Hector Fort, Guille Fernández, Antonio Fernández.