Barcelona is in Japan for their first preseason friendly on Sunday, 27th July 2025, vs. J1 League winners Vissel Kobe at Noevir Stadium in Kobe. The friendly was previously cancelled as a result of a breach of contract by the Yasuda Group promoter; however, Rakuten, the owner of Vissel, intervened and reportedly paid €5 million to have the fixture reinstated. With new signings like Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia set to appear, this fixture will set the stage for Barça's ambitious 2025–26 season under new manager Hansi Flick. 

Barcelona's 2024-25 season was generally successful: they secured La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, missing a Champions League final by a whisker following their dramatic defeat by Inter Milan in the semi-final. Under Hansi Flick, expectations are still sky-high.

With their new signings and Joan Garcia (GK), Roony Bardghji (winger), and blockbuster loan signing Marcus Rashford—the Catalans bring new verve into the 2025–26 season.

While Vissel Kobe is continuing their domestic dominance. They were J League winners in 2023 and 2024 and are leading the J League again in 2025, remaining unbeaten since May and winning their last four matches. This mid-season sharpness will make them dangerous opponents.

On balance, almost all outlets will tip for a Barcelona win—most leaning towards a 1-3 result. Kobe might be able to score but will likely be overwhelmed by the front-line depth that Barcelona has (Lewandowski, Rashford, and Yamal). 

• Odds will be updated closer to kickoff, but Barcelona are heavy favorites. Expect Kobe to be priced generously for any upsets.

• Recommended bets: Win for Barça, over 2.5 total goals, and Rashford to score.

We have a friendly contest juxtaposing Kobe’s match fitness with Barcelona's world-class depth and expect Kobe to press and try to settle into the match while Barcelona is likely to be slow out of the blocks at first but will subsequently gain match rhythm, quality, and ultimately control notably with respect to their attacking quality.

With Rashford making his debut, will he slot in on the left wing or perhaps eventually push Lewandowski aside for a fluid front three with Yamal and Raphinha? This match will provide Flick valuable scouting intel prior to beginning La Liga.

For bettors, keep in mind: first-half draws (as Barça may be slow out of the blocks) or second-half goals by Barça reflecting their much greater tactical advantage from a healthy bench depth?

Final score 3-1 Barcelona wins, and we expect it will be the first time the game Vissel Kobe sees them being defeated by Barcelona, and they will maintain a 100% record against Vissel Kobe. Fans will also get to witness Rashford's debut, along with viewing Barcelona sharpen where possible, prior to the heavy lift of the season.