The Joan Gamper Trophy has always been more than just a friendly fixture—it’s a celebration of FC Barcelona’s identity, its past legends, and its future stars. But this year’s edition added a fresh layer of nostalgia and excitement, as Barcelona faced Italy’s rising club, Como 1907. The atmosphere at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys was electric, not just because of the football, but because of the stories on and off the pitch. Former Barça icon Cesc Fàbregas returned—not as a player, but as Como’s manager. And in an unexpected twist, longtime Barça midfielder Sergi Roberto donned Como’s colors.
The final result, a commanding 5–0 victory for FC Barcelona, reflected the difference in class. But this game wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was about who stepped up, who surprised, and who struggled. In this detailed review of the FC Barcelona vs Como 1907 player ratings, we break down each performance and what it tells us about both teams moving forward.
Quick Bio Information
Match Title: FC Barcelona vs Como 1907
Event: Joan Gamper Trophy
Date: December 30, 2025
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
Final Score: FC Barcelona 5 – 0 Como 1907
Barcelona Coach: Xavi Hernández
Como 1907 Coach: Cesc Fàbregas
Top Scorer: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Man of the Match: Alejandro Balde
Standout Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina (Como 1907)
Attendance: Over 50,000 fans
Match Overview
From the opening whistle, FC Barcelona asserted dominance. Their possession-based style, high pressing, and quick combinations overwhelmed Como early on. While Como showed admirable discipline and occasional sparks of creativity, their defensive line struggled to contain Barcelona’s waves of attack. The Catalan side displayed a mix of experienced control and youthful flair that ultimately broke Como down.
The goals flowed throughout both halves, with standout moments from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Alejandro Balde igniting the crowd. While Como lacked cutting edge in attack, players like goalkeeper Pepe Reina and midfielder Simone Verdi provided glimpses of quality and leadership. In the end, this wasn’t just a preseason win—it was a glimpse into Barcelona’s tactical intentions for the upcoming season and a valuable test for Como’s development under Fàbregas.
FC Barcelona Player Ratings
Barcelona fielded a strong squad, balancing young stars with senior leaders. From back to front, the team showed sharpness, discipline, and creativity.
Marc-André ter Stegen had little to do in terms of shot-stopping, but his calm distribution under pressure helped Barça maintain tempo. In defense, Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo were dominant, combining physicality with intelligence. Araújo, in particular, was a wall in aerial duels and led from the back.
Andreas Christensen provided clean support, while Alejandro Balde turned heads with explosive runs down the left flank. Balde was not only a constant threat but also registered a brilliant assist that highlighted his growth as one of the best young fullbacks in Europe.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong controlled proceedings effortlessly, while Gavi added relentless energy. De Jong’s passing and ability to transition from defense to attack made him the centerpiece. On the wings, Raphinha dazzled with a goal and assist, while Lamine Yamal delivered the highlight moment with a stunning goal that left fans in awe.
Although Marcus Rashford had a short-lived appearance, his initial movements suggested chemistry was building. Substitute João Félix brought a late spark with sharp touches and quick transitions.
Como 1907 Player Ratings
Como entered this match with heart and discipline, and although the scoreline was harsh, some players showed real promise. Veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina was a standout, making several excellent saves that prevented the match from becoming a rout in the first half. His experience and positioning made him the most reliable figure on the field for the Italian side.
Fabio Lucioni and Marco Curto held the defensive line with resilience, often finding themselves under siege. Lucioni’s leadership helped organize the backline, while Iovine worked tirelessly against Barça’s constant overlaps.
In midfield, Lucas Da Cunha and Alessandro Bellemo showed moments of control and courage in possession. Bellemo in particular was key in breaking up play and attempting to initiate counterattacks. Forward Simone Verdi brought flair and tried to create chances even in isolation, earning praise for his determination and footwork.
Substitutes like Leonardo Mancuso and Tommaso Arrigoni didn’t have much time to make an impact but kept the structure intact during the closing stages.
Barcelona’s Tactical Dominance
Xavi’s approach was clear: total control. By keeping the ball, pressing high, and rotating through midfield triangles, Barcelona left little breathing space for Como. Fullbacks like Balde and Koundé pushed up to stretch the pitch, allowing players like Raphinha and Yamal to cut inside and attack the spaces.
Barcelona’s fluid formation, often shifting from 4-3-3 to a more aggressive 3-2-5 in possession, allowed them to suffocate Como’s attempts to break out. Frenkie de Jong played the connector role to perfection, transitioning swiftly and dictating rhythm. This kind of structure was exactly what fans hoped to see in preseason: clear identity, sharp transitions, and young players stepping up.
Como’s Compact and Disciplined Strategy
Under Cesc Fàbregas, Como showed early signs of a structured and disciplined team. Knowing they couldn’t outplay Barcelona in possession, Como focused on compact defense and quick breakouts. They kept their shape, narrowed space in midfield, and looked to exploit any lapses with counterattacks led by Verdi and Da Cunha.
While the plan was sound, execution was tough against such high-quality opposition. Pepe Reina’s presence helped calm nerves at the back, but the midfield often found themselves chasing shadows. Still, the structure was encouraging—proof that this team is building something more cohesive under Fàbregas’s leadership.
Key Moments That Shaped The Match
Several moments stood out in this encounter. Early saves by Reina gave Como hope, while Balde’s overlapping assist in the 20th minute opened the floodgates. Lamine Yamal’s individual brilliance for Barcelona’s third goal was the kind of moment fans dream of—quick feet, confidence, and a finish full of flair.
On the defensive end, Araújo’s crucial interception in the second half cut out one of Como’s rare breakaway chances. João Félix’s late involvement added flair, keeping fans entertained even in the final minutes. These snapshots defined not just the scoreline but the entire narrative of the match.
Best Performers Of The Match
Several players truly shined. For Barcelona, Alejandro Balde was electric and effective—his constant runs and delivery made him one of the top performers. Lamine Yamal confirmed his status as a rising star, while Raphinha’s creativity and work ethic impressed. Frenkie de Jong’s calm and command over the midfield kept everything ticking.
For Como, Pepe Reina was the clear standout. Despite conceding five, his shot-stopping and leadership were undeniable. Simone Verdi also earned praise for his ability to push forward and look for solutions even when under pressure.
Who Struggled On The Night
While Barcelona’s performance was largely positive, a few players had quieter games. Marcus Rashford, due to limited minutes, had little opportunity to make an impact. Substitute players like Ansu Fati and Iñaki Peña were not involved enough to warrant ratings.
Como had a tougher time overall. Defenders like Michele Di Gregorio and Riccardo Orsolini struggled to keep up with Barcelona’s pace and movement. The midfield was often bypassed, and their forward line lacked the support needed to create danger.
What The Match Means For Barcelona
This performance suggested that Barcelona is heading into the 2025 season with growing confidence. The mix of experienced pros and explosive youth is working well, and players like Yamal and Balde are looking like future superstars. The midfield trio showed chemistry, and the defense held firm.
While it’s only a preseason trophy, the intensity, tactics, and cohesion shown in this match are strong indicators that Barcelona is preparing to compete at the highest level in La Liga and Europe.
What The Match Means For Como 1907
For Como 1907, this wasn’t about winning—it was about measuring themselves against one of the best teams in the world. Despite the result, the team showed character, especially in the first half. Reina’s leadership and Verdi’s spark showed the potential within the squad.
Under Fàbregas, Como is building toward long-term goals. The experience gained from this match will help them grow stronger in the Italian league and understand the level required to compete internationally.
Final Thoughts
Football is more than goals—it’s about moments, growth, and stories. The FC Barcelona vs Como 1907 player ratings give us a deeper look into a match that combined nostalgia, youth, strategy, and ambition. Barcelona thrilled fans with their quality and potential, while Como earned respect through their determination and structure.
This match reminded us why football matters. It’s where legends return, new stars are born, and every player has a chance to shine—or learn.
FAQs About FC Barcelona vs Como 1907 Player Ratings
What Was the Final Score of the FC Barcelona vs Como 1907 Match?
The final score was 5–0 in favor of FC Barcelona, showing their dominance from start to finish.
Who Was the Best Player for FC Barcelona?
Alejandro Balde was one of the best performers, creating chances, assisting a goal, and showing incredible pace and control.
How Did Lamine Yamal Perform?
Lamine Yamal was outstanding. He scored a brilliant goal and played with confidence beyond his years, exciting fans with every touch.
Was Marcus Rashford Involved in the Match?
Marcus Rashford started the game but was substituted early. He had limited impact due to tactical changes.
How Did Como 1907 Defend Against Barcelona?
Como tried to stay compact and disciplined. Despite conceding five goals, they showed structure and effort, especially in the first half.
Did Pepe Reina Play Well for Como?
Yes, Pepe Reina was a standout player for Como. He made several crucial saves and displayed strong leadership at the back.
What Does This Match Mean for Barcelona’s Season?
It shows that Barcelona’s young talents are ready, the team is growing in cohesion, and they’re building momentum heading into 2025.
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