<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">FC Barcelona</a> are set to face Italian side Como in the 2025 edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, marking Cesc Fabregas’ return to the club—this time as a coach. With this being the final tune-up before the official season kicks off, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a> will aim to secure his second Joan Gamper title.



The Blaugrana have enjoyed an impressive preseason, which included a tour through Asia and the Pacific. With coach Hansi Flick rotating the squad and giving minutes to nearly every player, Barca enter this clash in fine form, having beaten Vissel Kobe 3-1, FC Seoul 7-3, and Daegu FC 5-0. Como will be their last test before competitive action begins.



On the other side, Serie A outfit <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/como/">Como</a> could prove Barcelona’s toughest preseason opponent yet. Fabregas’ team have put together a four-game winning streak, defeating notable opposition such as French side LOSC Lille (3-2), Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Ahli (3-1), Dutch giants Ajax (3-0), and LaLiga’s Real Betis (3-2) in an impressive run.



Yamal lifted the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/joan-gamper/">Joan Gamper</a> Trophy in 2023 after coming on in the 80th minute of Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur. In 2024, however, he entered in the 66th minute for Robert Lewandowski but couldn’t prevent a 3-2 defeat to AS Monaco, denying him back-to-back titles in the prestigious friendly’s history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250810_WST_583463_lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-1200x675_63f1f59e.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-583483" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/10123853/lamine-yamal-barcelona-joan-gamper.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Barcelona without Robert Lewandowski</h2>



As in previous editions, Barcelona are expected to field a strong starting XI in pursuit of the Joan Gamper Trophy, even if it is a friendly. However, Flick will be without one of his biggest stars, Robert Lewandowski.


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Barcelona issued a brief statement on the striker’s status. “The first team player Robert Lewandowski has a hamstring problem in his left thigh. The striker is unavailable for Sunday’s game and his recovery will determine his return,” the statement read, sidelining him for the match against Como.



<h2>Confirmed lineups for Barcelona and Como</h2>



FC Barcelona’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Marcus Rashford.



Como’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Jean Butez; Mergim Vojvoda, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Ignace Van der Brempt, Alex Valle; Sergi Roberto, Nico Paz; Jayden Addai, Martin Baturina, Ivan Mozon; Anastasios Douvikas.

Barcelona vs. Como: Confirmed lineups as Lamine Yamal chases second Joan Gamper Trophy

Barcelona vs. Como: Confirmed lineups as Lamine Yamal chases second Joan Gamper Trophy - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a> was one of FC Barcelona’s breakout stars last season, and the Spanish club has big ambitions for the 2025-26 campaign as it chases the UEFA Champions League. But heading into their final preseason test, the Joan Gamper Trophy, the Catalan side has been hit with an untimely injury blow to one of its key players.



The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/joan-gamper/">Joan Gamper</a> Trophy is Barcelona’s traditional home friendly, played in honor of the club’s founder and first president, and serves as the final tune-up before the competitive season begins. For the 2025 edition on Sunday, Aug. 10, Barca will face Cesc Fabregas’ Como. However, they’ll have to do so without one of their biggest names.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/robert-lewandowski/">Robert Lewandowski</a> has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in his left thigh during Friday’s training session. While the club has not provided a recovery timeline, the Polish striker will miss Sunday’s matchup against Como.



Barcelona issued a brief statement on the matter. “The first team player Robert Lewandowski has a hamstring problem in his left thigh. The striker is unavailable for Sunday’s game and his recovery will determine his return,” the statement read.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250808_WST_583152_Robert-Lewandoski-2-1200x675_7b3a2077.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Robert Lewandoski celebrates a goal" class="wp-image-568528" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06141526/Robert-Lewandoski-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Lewandowski featured in all three of Barcelona’s Asia-Pacific preseason friendlies, playing 45 minutes in each match. He notched an assist in the 3-1 victory over Vissel Kobe and scored in both the 7-3 win against FC Seoul and the 5-0 rout of Daegu FC.


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The 36-year-old proved last season that he can still deliver at the highest level, finishing as Barcelona’s top scorer with 42 goals in 52 appearances. With La Liga set to kick off for Barça on Saturday, Aug. 16, against RCD Mallorca, the uncertainty over Lewandowski’s return has sparked concern among fans and teammates alike.



<h2>Dani Olmo another question mark</h2>



While Lewandowski has been officially sidelined, Dani Olmo is also in doubt for Sunday’s Gamper clash. The Spanish midfielder trained apart from the squad on Friday due to muscle fatigue, and a final decision on his availability will be made closer to kickoff.



Manager Hansi Flick does have attacking depth to work with following the signing of Marcus Rashford. Ferran Torres is the most likely candidate to lead the line in Lewandowski’s absence, while Olmo’s potential absence could see Rashford shift to the left wing, freeing space for Raphinha or even Yamal to operate just behind the striker.

Lamine Yamal suffers huge squad blow as star FC Barcelona teammate injured ahead of Joan Gamper Trophy

Lamine Yamal suffers huge squad blow as star FC Barcelona teammate injured ahead of Joan Gamper Trophy - World Soccer Talk

It was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. After nearly two years of playing away from their iconic ground, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> had earmarked August 10 as the day they would return to the Spotify Camp Nou&nbsp;for the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como. However, as the date approaches, signs point toward yet another unexpected delay —&nbsp;and questions are swirling about what it could mean for the club’s upcoming campaign.



Barcelona has not played a competitive game at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/camp-nou/">Camp Nou</a> since March 2023. While the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys served as a temporary home during renovations, fans have eagerly awaited the return to their beloved venue. But that moment may be postponed once more due to&nbsp;construction setbacks and administrative roadblocks.



According to&nbsp;3Cat&nbsp;and other Catalonia-based outlets such as&nbsp;Sport&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mundo Deportivo,&nbsp;the club is unlikely to receive the necessary occupancy license from the City Council in time. While&nbsp;permits for ongoing construction and limited activity have been granted, the critical “first occupancy license” is still pending — and without it,&nbsp;no official matches can take place&nbsp;at the stadium.



“The City Council explained it cannot begin to consider the occupancy license until work at the stadium is complete,”&nbsp;Sport&nbsp;reported.



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="🚁 THE NEW SPOTIFY CAMP NOU from ABOVE! | FC Barcelona 🔵🔴" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tvNEuYRSgmw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Why the Joan Gamper Trophy is at risk</h2>



The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/joan-gamper/">Joan Gamper Trophy</a>, traditionally a celebratory curtain-raiser for Barcelona’s season, was planned as the symbolic reopening of Camp Nou. Initially, the club hoped to welcome 60,000 fans, then reduced expectations to 30,000–32,000 due to unfinished areas. However, even that compromise now appears unlikely.



Barca is said to be considering moving the match to the Estadi Johan Cruyff, a much smaller venue at the club’s training complex, with just 6,000 seats. With the Estadi Olimpic hosting a concert the day before the planned match, options are limited.



Club sources have admitted that they see little hope of securing the license before the end of the week — a key deadline for organizing the Gamper event.



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<h2>Targeting a new date</h2>



Internally,&nbsp;the Blaugrana is now targeting September 14&nbsp;for the official reopening, when they are set to host&nbsp;Valencia in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/camp-nou/">La Liga</a>. Club insiders described that timeline as&nbsp;“viable,”&nbsp;assuming all permits are secured and safety conditions met.



“We believe all necessary permits will be in place by then,”&nbsp;one source told&nbsp;Sport, indicating cautious optimism. However,&nbsp;there are still unresolved issues, such as the completion of the stands, public access areas, evacuation infrastructure, and the surrounding urban development.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250716_WST_579596_Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-1200x675_75575878.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-540423" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/16023833/Barcelonas-long-awaited-return-to-Camp-Nou-New-date-revealed-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The delay doesn’t only affect the Joan Gamper Trophy —&nbsp;it also casts a shadow over the team’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a> fixtures. UEFA regulations mandate that clubs confirm their home stadium well before the group stage begins on&nbsp;September 16-18. If Camp Nou is not approved by then,&nbsp;Hansi Flick’s players may have to play the entire group stage at an alternate venue.



This is especially concerning, as UEFA does not permit venue changes mid-phase. A temporary fix would become a full-time commitment for the group round, affecting prestige, revenue, and fan engagement.

Barcelona may be set for another unplanned Camp Nou return delay: What would it mean for their La Liga and Champions League fixtures?

Barcelona may be set for another unplanned Camp Nou return delay: What would it mean for their La Liga and Champions League fixtures? - World Soccer Talk

Barcelona has officially announced their opponent in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy match. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> will travel to Spain to play the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> champions for the fixture. 



The two teams will face off for the trophy on Tuesday, August 8th at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. This will be Barca’s temporary home stadium while Camp Nou undergoes renovations.



The upcoming game will be the 58th version of the Joan Gamper Trophy. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barca</a> began holding the exhibition game in 1966 in honor of Gamper. 



The swiss-born soccer executive previously helped found the club and then eventually became their president. Barca has collected the trophy in 10 consecutive years. In fact, Sampdoria remain the last team to defeat the Spanish side in the competition back in 2012.



<h2>Joan Gamper Trophy will complete preseason for both teams </h2>



The matchup between Barca and Spurs will be the final preseason match for both clubs. Barca first travel to the United States for four exhibition games across the country. These fixtures include solid tests against fellow European powerhouses <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>, and AC Milan.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Barcelona have announced that they will play <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#THFC</a> in their traditional curtain-raiser, the Trofeu Joan Gamper. <a href="https://t.co/fhfWkrA4SD">pic.twitter.com/fhfWkrA4SD</a>— Football España (@footballespana_) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballespana_/status/1679053810591846400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Spurs, on the other hand, will travel to Australia and Southeast Asia for their preseason preparations. The north London outfit will soon play familiar foes West Ham and Leicester City, before ending their tour against Lion City Sailors. They have then scheduled a home friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk before heading to Spain for the Joan Gamper Trophy.



It remains to be seen if Harry Kane will be a part of the traveling Spurs group for the matchup in Spain. The superstar striker is entering the final year of his current contract with the club. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> has already made two <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37994827/harry-kane-wants-bayern-munich-move-extend-tottenham-deal-sources" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unsuccessful bids</a> to sign Kane this summer. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> have also been linked with the England international as well. 



<h2>Quick turnaround as clubs head into new season</h2>



Both Barca and Spurs will start their domestic leagues just five days after the aforementioned friendly. The reigning LaLiga champs begin their 2023/24 campaign away to Getafe. Spurs have a tough first fixture for new manager Ange Postecoglou, as they will have to face Brentford in the opening match of the season.



Photo credit: IMAGO / imagebroker

LaLiga champions Barcelona have announced their opponent for the 58th annual Joan Gamper Trophy in early August

Barcelona finalize opponent for Joan Gamper Trophy match

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