FC Barcelona delivered a dominant performance against Como 1907 in the Joan Gamper Trophy, securing an emphatic 5-0 victory powered by a blend of youthful brilliance and seasoned experience. With this match, Hansi Flick’s men showcased a strong statement for the upcoming season, and the following in-depth player ratings and analysis reveal why Barça’s stars shone so brightly on a memorable night.
Barça’s Defensive Foundation
Barcelona’s defense started the game with a composed and confident display, marked by assured goalkeeping and disciplined backline structure. Joan Garcia, who began the match between the posts, was rarely troubled but made important interventions to keep Como at bay. He scored a solid 7.5 for exhibiting poise, especially in high-pressure moments.
Eric Garcia, filling in at right back, offered reliability but left the field early due to discomfort. While he didn’t have much to do defensively, his contributions earned him a 6.0 from one outlet and a more generous 7.0 elsewhere, reflecting an honest but understated performance.
Ronald Araujo anchored the defense seamlessly, receiving a 7.0 across sources for his commanding physicality and assurance as the central defensive leader. With Inigo Martinez gone, Araujo will be pivotal as Barça’s first choice in the heart of defense this coming season.
Pau Cubarsi complemented Araujo efficiently. His ability to win duels and distribute from the back led to ratings of 7.5, noting not only his defensive solidity but also his effectiveness in transition play.
Alejandro Balde, on the left, recovered from last season’s injuries to deliver a lively display. Rated between 6.5 and 7 across outlets, Balde’s forward bursts and defensive tracking were key, even as Como sought to restrict his offensive impact.
Midfield Maestros
Pedri delivered another composed, high-tempo game in central midfield. His peerless ball control and orchestration kept Barça ticking and in command throughout, worthy of a 7.5. While he didn’t grab a goal or assist, his presence remains vital to Flick’s approach.
Frenkie de Jong stood out for his vision and incisiveness, picking up an assist for Fermin Lopez’s second goal. His anticipation and clever movement earned him ratings of 8.0, demonstrating why he is so essential to the team’s structure and attacking transitions.
Attack Brilliance
Lamine Yamal was simply spectacular, scoring twice and heavily influencing the result. His trademark flair, finishing technique, and killer instinct justified ratings of 8.5 and 9—he was a constant threat who devastated Como’s defense, confirming his superstar status at just 17 years old.
Fermin Lopez emerged as the MVP with two first-half goals, his energy and movement stymied Como’s resistance. A standout rating of 9.0 across the board highlights his relentless work rate and growing influence in the squad.
Raphinha bounced back from previous preseason struggles by delivering both a goal and an assist. With a dynamic display rated at 8.0, his rejuvenated form and work rate were noticeable.
Marcus Rashford, stepping in for the injured Lewandowski, embodied energy and directness. He picked up an assist with a dazzling run and pressured Como’s defenders, earning a 7.0 to 8.0 rating. A missed open net kept his score from being higher, but his impact was clear.
Impactful Substitutes
Jules Kounde provided solid defensive support after coming on at halftime (6.5), and Ferran Torres had an immediate offensive impact, grabbing an assist and keeping Como’s backline busy (7.0).
Marc Casado steadied the midfield with calm orchestration (6.5), while Gavi pressed fiercely, winning duels and boosting tempo (7.0).
Other substitutes like Roony Bardghji, Pedro “Dro” Fernandez, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen, and Toni Fernandez did not play enough minutes to warrant detailed ratings but showed flashes of intent and quality in their brief cameos.
Como 1907: Overmatched Yet Determined
Como 1907 struggled to cope with Barça’s intensity but showed patches of organization and effort. Their forwards, including club legend Sergi Roberto, tried to exploit space behind Barcelona’s high line, but couldn’t unlock the defense or capitalize on rare opportunities. The Como defensive unit found themselves overwhelmed by movement and pace, conceding goals in quick succession, particularly in the first half.
Though individual ratings for Como’s players weren’t as widely available, match reports indicate that their midfielders worked tirelessly to regain possession and limit damage, with sporadic bursts from their attack met by resolute one-on-one stops from Joan Garcia and Barça’s defenders.
Summary Table: Barcelona Player Ratings
| Player | Rating (range) | Notable Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Joan Garcia | 7–7.5 | Composed, key saves |
| Eric Garcia | 6–7 | Solid, early exit |
| Ronald Araujo | 7 | Calm, strong leadership |
| Pau Cubarsi | 7–7.5 | Duels, ball distribution |
| Alejandro Balde | 6.5–7 | Forward surges, tracking |
| Pedri | 7–7.5 | Controlled tempo, composure |
| Frenkie de Jong | 7–8 | Assist, anticipation |
| Lamine Yamal | 8.5–9 | 2 goals, dynamic attack |
| Fermin Lopez | 9 | 2 goals, MVP |
| Raphinha | 8 | Goal, assist, press |
| Marcus Rashford | 7–8 | Assist, energetic play |
| Jules Kounde | 6.5 | Defensive stability |
| Ferran Torres | 7 | Offensive threat, assist |
Final Thoughts
FC Barcelona’s resounding victory over Como 1907 at the Joan Gamper Trophy underlined the squad’s readiness for the official La Liga season. Standouts like Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal proved their growing influence, while support from core players such as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Raphinha assured balance and depth across the pitch. The performance of substitutes added additional optimism for the campaign ahead. On this evidence, Barça seems set for an exciting and competitive season, with plenty of promise emerging from both established stars and rising talents.
