Barcelona will bring their 2022/23 campaign to a close with a friendly match against Vissel Kobe, the current club of Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, in Japan today. Despite ending their official season with a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo, the Catalans are hoping to end on a positive note by securing a victory in this friendly encounter.
Manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed the lineup that will take the field at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo shortly. In goal, Inaki Pena, who had limited playing time throughout the season, will start ahead of the regular first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. This gives Pena a valuable opportunity to showcase his skills.
Julian Araujo, who recently joined the club during the winter transfer window, will make his debut for FC Barcelona as the right-back. This match marks Araujo’s first-ever appearance for the club, and it will be an exciting moment for both the player and the fans. On the left side of defense, Marcos Alonso will take up the position of left-back.
In the center-back position, an intriguing partnership between Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia will be formed. Both players possess exceptional abilities, and this match will provide them with an opportunity to display their defensive prowess.
In midfield, Pau Prim, a promising talent from the Juvenil B team, will have the chance to taste senior football alongside Franck Kessie and Pablo Torre. This is a significant step forward for Prim, who will gain valuable experience by playing alongside established professionals.
In the attacking lineup, another young talent, Daniel Rodriguez from the Juvenil A team, has been given the opportunity to shine. Rodriguez will join forces with the formidable duo of Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati. This combination of experience and youth promises an exciting attacking display from Barcelona.
The match against Vissel Kobe serves as a farewell to the 2022/23 season for Barcelona. While they were disappointed by the recent defeat to Celta Vigo, this friendly encounter offers the team a chance to end their campaign on a positive note. Barcelona will be eager to claim a victory, which would boost morale and allow the players to head into their well-deserved vacation with a sense of accomplishment.
Additionally, the matchup against Vissel Kobe holds a special significance due to the presence of Andres Iniesta, a true legend of Barcelona. Iniesta’s successful tenure at Barcelona and his current affiliation with Vissel Kobe creates a nostalgic atmosphere. It will be a unique moment for both the players and the fans to witness the reunion of Iniesta and his former club.
As the players step onto the pitch in Tokyo, they will be motivated to put on a memorable performance. The blend of established stars and young talents in the lineup reflects Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing and integrating youth into the first team. This friendly encounter presents an opportunity for the emerging players to showcase their abilities and make a case for more regular appearances in the upcoming seasons.
While the match itself may not carry the weight of a competitive fixture, the outcome still matters to the players and the fans. Barcelona will be determined to deliver an entertaining display of football and secure a victory against Vissel Kobe. The result will serve as a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, providing a positive note to end the 2022/23 campaign and set the stage for future successes.
