August 11, (THEWILL) — Barcelona returned to winning ways in the Joan Gamper Trophy with a commanding 5-0 victory over Serie A side, Como, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday evening. The Catalan giants reclaimed the prestigious pre-season honour after losing it to AS Monaco in 2024, with standout performances from Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal, who each scored twice in the emphatic triumph. The result extended Hansi Flick’s Barcelona’s perfect pre-season record, maintaining their momentum ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign opener.
Lopez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, pouncing on a defensive error to fire home from the edge of the penalty area. The Spanish midfielder doubled his tally before half-time with a spectacular strike into the top corner, giving Barcelona a comfortable cushion. Two quick-fire goals in the closing stages of the first half put the match beyond doubt, with Raphinha converting Marcus Rashford’s precise cross before turning provider for Yamal’s close-range finish just five minutes later.
Yamal completed the scoring three minutes into the second half with a clinical first-time effort into the bottom corner, capping off a dominant display from the young Spanish winger. The 18-year-old’s brace took his pre-season tally to four goals and one assist across four matches, continuing his excellent form from the previous campaign. Como, under manager and ex-Blaugrana central midfielder Cesc Fabregas, struggled to contain Barcelona’s fluid attacking movement and found few opportunities to threaten Marc-André ter Stegen’s goal.
Manchester United loanee Rashford impressed on his first start for Barcelona, providing the assist for Raphinha’s goal and coming close to scoring himself after rounding Como goalkeeper Jean Butez in the first half. The England international’s performance will give Flick confidence in his attacking options, particularly with Robert Lewandowski sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in training. Barcelona’s clinical finishing proved the difference, converting five of their numerous chances while maintaining defensive solidity throughout.
The victory takes Barcelona’s pre-season goal tally to 20 across four matches, demonstrating the attacking potency that Flick has instilled in his squad. With key players finding form and new signings like Rashford adapting quickly to the system, Barcelona appear well-prepared for their La Liga title defence. The Joan Gamper Trophy success provides additional confidence ahead of their league opener, with Flick’s tactical approach already yielding impressive results in these preparatory fixtures.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
