Vissel Kobe vs. Barcelona: The Treble Winners Start Their Asia Tour with a Friendly Match

July 27, 2025: Vissel Kobe, the J1 League leaders, will meet FC Barcelona, the reigning La Liga winners, today, Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, Japan. This highly anticipated preseason friendly is the first game of Barcelona’s Asia trip. It gives both teams a chance to fine-tune their squads.

Vissel Kobe, who haven’t lost in their past nine games, are excited to see how they measure up against a Barcelona team that just won three trophies in the 2024–25 season under coach Hansi Flick. The game will start at 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT).

Barcelona is likely to change its lineup to show off new players and up-and-coming stars in order to promote team spirit. Inaki Pena might be in goal for them, giving Marc-André ter Stegen a break. Ronald Araujo could be the anchor of the defense. Lamine Yamal could bring some fresh energy to the midfield, while Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and new recruit Marcus Rashford head the attack.

Vissel Kobe is also projected to have a strong roster, with dependable goalie Daiya Maekawa and solid defender Tetsushi Yamakawa. Yosuke Ideguchi will be the creative force in the middle, and Daiju Sasaki will lead the attack up front.

Lineups that are expected:
Daiya Maekawa, Sakai, Tetsushi Yamakawa, Thuler, Nagato, Ogihara, Yosuke Ideguchi, Miyashiro, Erik, Daiju Sasaki, and Hirose are on Vissel Kobe.

Barcelona: Inaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Marcos Alonso, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford.

Where to Watch Live: In the US, you can watch it live on DAZN and Paramount+ starting at 6 AM ET.

In the UK, you can watch it live on the DAZN app starting at 10 AM GMT.

India: The Barca TV app (membership required) and the Fancode app/website (small cost) will start live streaming at 3:30 PM IST.

Japan: Only on NTV and free streaming on ABEMA, plus extra “player camera” broadcasts.

Spain: You may watch it on Barça TV and Barça TV+ (you have to pay to watch). The match will also be streamed on the club’s website, app, and YouTube Membership (Pack Pre Season) starting at 12 PM CET.