Barcelona welcomed Roma to the Camp Nou for the 50th edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday.
The hosts had a number of chances in the early stages, but did not take the lead until the 26th minute, when Neymar found the back of the net from close range.
Neymar then set up Lionel Messi as Barcelona entered the interval with a two-goal lead.
The Spanish outfit continued to dominate in the second period and scored a third in the 66th minute through Ivan Rakitic.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's pre-season coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Roma for the Joan Gamper Trophy. It is a special competition for the Catalan outfit, named in honour of Joan Gamper, a founding member, player and later president of the club. It is also the 50th edition of the tournament this year. Let's hope for an entertaining evening of football in Barcelona!
Right, a bit of background on this particular competition while we await the team news. The Joan Gamper Trophy was inaugurated back in 1966 and Barcelona have lifted the cup on 37 occasions. In 2014, they beat Club Leon 6-0, one year after thumping Santos 8-0. The last time that they were beaten in this competition was in 2012, when they went down 1-0 against Italian side Sampdoria.
Sampdoria, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus have all competed in this competition in recent seasons and now there is a chance for Roma to make a splash. It is more than 80 years since Mr Gamper passed on, but the competition lives on. There did actually used to be four competing teams, which obviously featured two semi-finals, but since 1997, the competition has only been a one-off game.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! Guess who's back for Barcelona...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Bartra, Vermaelen, Mathieu; Mascherano, Rakitic, Rafinha; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
ROMA: To follow.
So there we have it. Lionel Messi and Neymar are both back for Barcelona, with the South American pair returning to the front three alongside Luis Suarez. There are also returns for Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano, who like Messi and Neymar, have only recently resumed training following the Copa America earlier in the summer. In midfield, there are starts for Ivan Rakitic and Rafinha, while Marc Bartra, Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu are also selected. It is a very strong side indeed.
Just the 122 goals between Suarez, Messi and Neymar last season! Pedro is only on the bench for the Catalan outfit this evening as talk of a move to Manchester United continues to gather pace. Roma have not yet revealed their team for this match - they are being very secretive indeed. Come on!
HEAD-TO-HEAD! Somewhat surprisingly, these two teams have only met on two occasions in their history. Both of those matches occurred in the second group stage of the 2001/02 Champions League. The two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou, before Roma won 3-0 in Rome. Barca still topped the group, however, while Roma finished in third position having posted just one victory.
Right, pre-season form. Barcelona have actually lost their last three friendlies – yes, this Barca team have lost three in a row. They were beaten 3-1 by Manchester United in the United States, before drawing 2-2 with Chelsea and eventually losing on penalties (technically a draw). There was more disappointment last time out as they were beaten 2-1 by Serie A side Fiorentina in Florence.
As such, Barca's only pre-season win came in their first match, when they beat Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1. It is worth mentioning, however, that the Catalan outfit have been without the likes of Neymar, Messi, Alves and Mascherano for all of their friendlies this summer. That said, Luis Enrique will be keen to return to winning ways this evening. Right, we have some confirmed team news from Roma!
TEAMS:
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Bartra, Vermaelen, Mathieu; Mascherano, Rakitic, Rafinha; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
ROMA: Szczesny; Torosidis, Castan, Mapou, Florenzi; Keita, Nainggolan, Pjanic; Falque, Destro, Gervinho
So there we have it. Roma start with on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks, while there are also spots in the defence for Leandro Castan and Alessandro Florenzi. Further forward, Iago Falque and Gervinho will support Mattia Destro, who will play through the middle tonight.
Looking forward for a moment, Barcelona have a very packed schedule. This is their final pre-season match before they face Sevilla in the European Super Cup next Tuesday. They will then travel to Athletic Bilbao for the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, before the return leg at the Camp Nou on August 17. Their La Liga season then begins on August 23 against... you guessed it, Bilbao.
On paper, Barca's start to the league season is also fairly tricky. Bilbao away is a very difficult game to start and they will then host Malaga, who beat them at the Camp Nou last season, before travelling to Atletico Madrid. By that point, Real Madrid will expect to have put nine points on the board and you just get the feeling that it will be an even tighter title race than last season. I cannot wait!
Roma, on the other hand, are building towards the start of their league season, which gets underway on August 22. They have one more confirmed pre-season friendly before the real business, with Sevilla making the trip to Rome at the weekend. Breaching Juventus' domination of Serie A is the name of the game for Rudi Garcia's team, but it is going to be a very tough task indeed in the season ahead.
Garcia's side have finished second in each of the last two Serie A seasons, which is a success when considering that they finished 6th, 7th and 6th from 2010 to 2013. They came ever-so close to advancing through the group stages of the Champions League last season, but ultimately went out of a group that saw Bayern Munich and Manchester City book their spot in the knockout stages.
Roma did drop into the Europa League after securing third position in the group, but they were surprisingly eliminated by Fiorentina, who went onto lose 5-0 to Sevilla in the semi-finals. It has not been the busiest of summers in terms of transfers, but Edin Dzeko is reportedly close to joining from Manchester City, which would be a massive signing. I've no doubt that he will score goals in Italy.
Roma's pre-season form has also been pretty disappointing. They have played four friendlies this summer and failed to win in 90 minutes. They have been beaten by both Gyirmot and Sporting Lisbon in normal time, and also by Manchester City on penalties. They did hold Real Madrid to a goalless draw, however, before overcoming the Spanish outfit on penalties out in the United States.
As mentioned, Roma open their Serie A campaign on August 22 against Hellas Verona, before welcoming Juventus in the second game of the season. They will then welcome Frosinone after the international break. If Garcia's side are to seriously challenge Juventus this season then you just get the feeling that they will need to make a strong start. Right, just about prediction time for me here.
PREDICTION! I think that we will have an open and entertaining game at the Camp Nou, but I am finding it really difficult to look past Barca. Messi and Neymar are both back and while there are some key players on the bench, I think they will have too much for Roma. Barca 3-1 for me.
There is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Chants of 'Pedro, Pedro, Pedro' can be heard around the ground, but is this his last game in a Barca shirt? Andres Iniesta, who is the new club captain, has just given a short speech on the pitch. We are all set at the Camp Nou!
Well, we were supposed to kick off at 10pm Spanish time, but players are still warming up here. Oh the laid-back attitude of some European countries! You would not get this in England, that's for sure!
So the Barcelona Twitter feed has just revealed that the match will kick off at 10.15pm local time (9.15pm UK) but that is the first that I have heard. Let's roll with it anyway. Quite bizarre.
So it appears that we are almost ready for kickoff in Barcelona, with both teams in the tunnel. I am not quite sure why the start was put back 15 minutes, but hey, more time with me I suppose!
We are almost there, almost. The final bits and pieces are being put together before the two teams are welcomed. I think presenting the 2015-16 Barcelona squad took a bit longer than first expected.
The two lineups are just being announced inside the stadium, which is further delaying the kickoff here. It is really bizarre, there has been no word as to why the kickoff is delayed, it just has been!
The two lineups are just being announced inside the stadium, which is further delaying the kickoff here. It is really bizarre, there has been no word as to why the kickoff is delayed, it just has been!
Both sets of players are now exchanging pleasantries in the tunnel - no rush lads, no problem at all. It has not impacted on the excitement inside the stadium, however, as the supporters continue to create a wonderful atmosphere. It is going to be more of a 10.30pm local time kickoff this evening.
We have players! Players on the field! Kickoff is now imminent, trust me this time.
KICK OFF! Roma will be hoping to spoil the party this evening and there is no question that they have talent to call upon. It is the visitors that get the first 45 minutes underway here...
... just so you are aware, we kicked off at 28 minutes past the hour here. Our commentary is not lagging behind a 9pm start! As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Alves and Mathieu already enjoying touches in the full-back areas.
CHANCE! Barca come close to opening the scoring as Suarez drives down the right before finding Messi, but the Argentine's low strike is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper!
CHANCE! Oh my word! Barcelona have another golden opportunity as Suarez's sensational cross is flicked towards the far post by Messi, but Neymar can only bundle his effort wide of the post. The Brazilian looked certain to find the back of the net. Well, Suarez, Messi and Neymar are at it already!
SAVES! My word! Wonderful goalkeeping from Szczesny as the on-loan Arsenal stopper first denies Messi from close range, before rising to his feet to deny Neymar what looked a simple finish from inside the box. It was wonderful incisive football, but top goalkeeping there!
Roma just cannot get anywhere near this Barcelona team at the moment as the quick football continues to occur in the final third - it really is special. Messi and Neymar have settled straight back in here.
Roma have the chance to counter with Gervinho, who manages to dart into the Barcelona box, but the Ivorian loses his footing at the vital moment and the referee points for a goal kick.
CHANCE! Yet another opportunity for Barcelona as Messi works the ball into Rakitic, who delivers a low cross towards Neymar, but the Brazilian just cannot stretch far enough!
Possession football from Barcelona as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. In truth, it is incredible that this game is still 0-0. The hosts could really be 2-0 or 3-0 ahead, even this early.
Half-chance for the visitors this time as Nainggolan finds space outside the Barcelona box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Barcelona are straight down the other end with Neymar, but the Brazilian had moved into an offside position. The opening 15 minutes have just flown past here.
SAVE! Another excellent save from the Roma goalkeeper, who manages to push a Rakitic effort away from the danger zone. Roma really are struggling defensively at the moment!
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Barcelona as Keita's loose clearance falls to Rafinha, but the midfielder fires over the crossbar from close range. How on earth are we still goalless?!
Luis Enrique will be a little frustrated that his team have not been able to make the breakthrough, but this is so, so much better than what we have seen from the Catalan outfit in their last couple of pre-season matches. Messi, Neymar and Suarez have all seamlessly started to link up once again.
Gervinho has been a good outlet for Roma in this first period, with the Ivorian's pace causing Barcelona a whole host of problems. The attacker's final ball, however, has been really disappointing.
A slip from Roma full-back Torosidis is almost costly as Messi picks up the ball, but Szczesny manages to claim at the vital moment. The home side are still in control of the possession here, but Roma's threat on the counter attack is causing a couple of problems. Still goalless with 25 mins played.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Roma (Neymar)
Barcelona take the lead in the 26th minute and in truth, it had been coming. The goal has come from Neymar, who collected a low cross from Mathieu before calmly finishing into the bottom corner.
Destro almost manages to blast his way past Bartra at the heart of the Barcelona defence, but the centre-back has help from Vermaelen and the pair manage to crowd out the Italian forward.
Not too much to report in terms of chances since Barcelona took the lead, which seems to have settled those inside the stadium. In truth, the hosts are in complete control of proceedings at the moment.
BOOKING! Yanga-Mbiwa (Roma) is booked after a coming-together with Messi.
That was a bit naughty from both Messi and Yanga-Mbiwa - both players moved their heads forward! Neither team has shirked the physical side of this match, which has made it busy for the referee.
Ter Stegen has not had a save to make in the Barcelona goal thus far, which is an indication of the type of match that it has been. Barcelona should already be out of sight such is their domination here.
BOOKING! Florenzi (Roma) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
Some very tasty challenges occurring at the moment!
Another half-chance for the home side as Messi weaves past two defenders before aiming one towards the top corner, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Still 1-0 to Barcelona here.
BOOKING! Nainggolan (Roma) is booked after clashing with Mascherano.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Roma (Messi)
Barcelona score their second of the match five minutes before the interval as Neymar sets up Messi, who drills one into the bottom corner from just inside the box. Devastating finish from Messi.
It must be illegal to have Messi and Neymar in the same team? Surely? Suarez comes close to getting in on the act after facing up to Szczesny, but the Roma goalkeeper stays tall and makes the save.
Roma could really do with the half-time interval - they are struggling big time!
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 2-0 Roma
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from the returning Neymar and Messi, who have both been sensational. In truth, the Catalan outfit could already be four or five goals ahead, such is their domination against Roma.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 68%, while they have also had 11 attempts - eight of which have been on target. Roma, on the other hand, have only managed two attempts off target thus far. It has been as impressive as it gets from Barcelona tonight, that's for sure.
BENCH WATCH! We should see a number of changes in the second period and both managers will want to utilise their squads this evening. For Barca, Iniesta, Pedro, Munir, Pique, Sandro, Busquets and Roberto should all be given minutes, while Roma have the likes of Cole, Ljajic, De Rossi, Totti and Iturbe on their bench this evening. It is always fun keeping up with the raft of changes that occur in friendlies!
RESTART! Here we go then. Both sets of players rejoin us on the field for the second 45 minutes at the Camp Nou. Roma are going to make a whole host of changes here...
... ROMA SUBS: Maicon, Iturbe, De Sanctis and Manolas have all entered for Roma, with Szczesny, Destro, Torosidis and Castan leaving the field for the Italian runners-up.
BARCA SUB: Just the one change for Barca as Alba replaces Vermaelen.
Barcelona have another opportunity to threaten on the counter as Suarez drives into the Roma box before feeding Messi, but the pass is just a little short and Roma manage to get men around the ball. Barca's front three have just clicked straight back into gear this evening - it is just incredible.
Iturbe has been nice and bright for Roma since entering at the break, but Barcelona are still very much in control of the possession as they continue to work openings in the final third of the field.
CLOSE! Barcelona come close to scoring a third as Alba breaks away down the left before flashing one towards the far corner, but his effort just moved away at the final moment. Close!
De Sanctis has been a busy goalkeeper for Roma since entering at the break, with the experienced Italian twice forced to claim dangerous crosses in quick succession. Roma are finding it difficult to gain a period of sustained possession at the moment, however, as Barca continue to dominate the ball.
Decent spell for Roma in the last couple of minutes as they force two corners in quick succession, but Barcelona manage to clear their lines. Still 2-0 to the hosts with little over 30 minutes remaining.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. There has been a real party atmosphere throughout this match. It obviously helps that Barca are in complete control.
Here come the changes for Barcelona...
... it might be easier to actually list Barca's XI now on the field.
BARCA SUBS: Busquets, Iniesta, Pique, Bravo, Pedro, Sandro, Sergi Roberto and Munir have all entered the field for Barca. Suarez, Messi, Neymar & Co. have departed here.
The game has lost its shape in the last couple of minutes following that raft of changes, which was expected in the second period. Barca have made nine changes - only Rakitic and Bartra remain.
Oh no, here come the Roma subs...
... ROMA SUBS: Cole, Ucan, Ljajic, Totti and De Rossi have all entered. Keita, who receives a wonderful ovation, leaves the field along with Gervinho, Florenzi, Falque and Torosidis.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Roma (Rakitic)
Oh my word! Sensational from Rakitic as the Barcelona midfielder picks out the top corner with a stunning hit from outside the box. It absolutely flew past De Sanctis, who got nowhere near it!
I think that it is safe to say that Barcelona are going to win this match, and in very comfortable fashion indeed. This might only be pre-season, but Barca have been absolutely wonderful this evening.
Half-chance for Pedro to get his name on the scoresheet after excellent work from Iniesta, but Cole is on hand to make an excellent block. The crowd really want Pedro to stay at Barcelona!
ROMA SUBS: Paredes and Romangnoli enter in place of Yanga-Mbiwa and Nainggolan.
It is always very enjoyable, as a reporter, to keep up with the changes that occur when six or seven players enter at the same time - bring on the season and the good old three subs per game!
PEN SHOUT! De Rossi has a penalty shout for Roma after going down inside the box under a late challenge from Bartra, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given!
BARCA SUB: Alba, who is injured, leaves the field for Halilovic.
Alba's injury will be a concern for Barcelona ahead of what is a busy month. The Spaniard held his thigh after pulling up and that might be two, three weeks on the sidelines. One to watch!
SAVE! Pedro comes close to adding a fourth for Barcelona after cutting inside and chipping one towards the far corner, but De Sanctis is on hand to make a really smart save.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third, with Halilovic and Pedro seeing plenty of the ball in wide areas. Pedro feeds a pass into Iniesta, who deliberately steps over the ball, but Sandro cannot make contact under pressure from two defenders. Still all Barcelona at the moment here.
Decent work from Munir as the Barca youngster finds space outside the box before trying his luck, but his effort was always moving over the crossbar. Roma just cannot keep the ball at the moment.
SAVE! Rakitic comes close to scoring another excellent goal from distance, but this time, De Sanctis manages to palm over the crossbar. The Croatian struck it so sweetly once again.
The supporters are certainly enjoying themselves as we approach the final stages of this game. Roma have been well beat here and the scoreline is a little kind, which is saying something at 3-0.
Bartra attempts to bend one towards the far post, but De Sanctis makes a comfortable save.
BOOKING! Bartra (Barca) is booked for pulling Iturbe to the ground.
ROMA SUBS: Ibarbo and Sanabria enter for the visitors.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Roma
So there we have it. Barcelona win the Joan Gamper Trophy for a 38th time in their history as goals from Neymar, Messi and Rakitic secure a 3-0 win over Italian outfit Roma, who in truth, were second best all evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for another night of action. Until next time!
