Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Barcelona Thrash Cesc Fabregas-led Como 5-0 to Lift Joan Gamper Trophy

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Barcelona ended their pre-season campaign on a high, cruising to a 5-0 victory over Cesc Fàbregas-led Como. They lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy in the 60th edition of the friendly competition at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. With Robert Lewandowski absent, Marcus Rashford made his competitive debut.

Meanwhile Hansi Flick fielded a strong lineup to give the Italian side an appropriate welcome and to end the pre-season on a high note. The night also marked a return for Fabregas to Barcelona, Sergi Roberto, and Alex Valle. However, it quickly became clear that the hosts were in no mood to offer charity.

🏆 The first of many pic.twitter.com/4Wtc4Dj7yp
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 10, 2025

Fermin Lopez Leads the Charge for Barcelona

Barcelona’s opener came in the 21st minute when Fermin Lopez pounced on a high press to slot past Jean Butez into the bottom corner. The midfielder doubled his tally 15 minutes later with a stunning strike into the top corner. His brace was certainly a display of his growing importance in Flick’s plans.

Moments later, Rashford’s surging run into the box set up Raphinha for the third. Rashford missed a chance of his own but the Brazilian soon returned his favour by stealing possession deep in Como’s half to square for Lamine Yamal. Then the Spanish prodigy tapped home for 4-0 before the break.

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Lamine Yamal Shines Again

The second half started where Barcelona left the first half. They began the next half staying in control. Just four minutes after the restart, Ferran Torres combined with Yamal for his second of the night, which was a composed first-time finish across goal.

From there, Flick’s side eased off. The coach started rotating players while maintaining dominance. Como had more of the ball after the break and they also carved out chances. However, wasteful finishing, typified by Assane Diao’s late miss, spared Barça’s clean sheet.

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This win secured Barcelona’s 11th win in the last 12 Joan Gamper fixtures. Lopez’s return to dominance, Yamal’s flair for brilliance, and a confident defensive display shows that La Blaugrana are more than ready for their La Liga opener against Mallorca. Reflecting on the win, Lopez said:

“It was a game about building confidence ready for the start of La Liga. The important thing is the team did a very good job.” The new season is only days away and Barcelona look ready to challenge for the title on all fronts another time. Sunday’s performance in the Joan Gamper Trophy was a statement of intent for that.

Barcelona

Barcelona vs Como

Cesc Fabregas

Como

Fermin Lopez

Joan Gamper Trophy

La Liga

Lamine Yamal

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.