Barcelona Crush Como 5-0 as Ter Stegen Reconciles
The pleasant win, as a part of the Joan Gamper Trophy, provided the Barcelona followers with plenty of reasons to look forward.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick's side demonstrated rapid movement and elegant passing all day. The performance is just a matter of days before they begin their La Liga title defence against Mallorca. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Barcelona title winners concluded their pre-season in style with a 5-0 thumping of Italian side Como on Sunday. The resounding win also witnessed a reconciliation between the club and goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen after a recent falling out.
Newly arrived loanee Marcus Rashford made his debut for the club, coming on as a substitute after two weeks of joining from Manchester United. He helped Raphinha with an accurate cross in the first half but fluffed an easy tap-in minutes later, leaving fans with mixed feelings about his debut.
Fermín López and Lamine Yamal scored twice each, with Raphinha’s first goal setting the tone for the uneven match. The match was staged at the Johan Cruyff Stadium within the club’s training complex, with work on the Camp Nou ongoing and still resisting a return to their home stadium.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s side demonstrated rapid movement and elegant passing all day. The performance is just a matter of days before they begin their La Liga title defence against Mallorca.
Before kick-off, Ter Stegen addressed the fans in the captain’s pre-match address. His appearance and words were given added weight after controversy surrounding him and the club over the treatment of his back injury.
“I think the issue between the club and me was sorted,” said the 33-year-old German. “Now we have to look to the future. We’re going to fight again for all the titles, and with your support, we hope to lift them all.” His return to the captaincy had been announced only two days earlier, a symbolic gesture of renewed faith.
The pleasant win, as a part of the Joan Gamper Trophy, provided the Barcelona followers with plenty of reasons to look forward. Rashford’s inclusion showcased moments of hope, despite him failing in his attempt. Young talents Lopez and Yamal continued to demonstrate their pace, imagination, and calmness in front of goal.
With pre-season finished, Barcelona turn their attention to the fixtures ahead. The convincing win over Como not only boosted morale but also signaled unity in the ranks — a welcome ingredient as they aim to hold onto their domestic crown and chase European glory.
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