Barcelona got their preseason tour up and running with a 3-1 friendly win over Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
Hansi Flick's squad finally landed in the Japan, just 48 hours ahead of kickoff, following a controversial build up to their flight out from Catalonia.
The club initially confirmed their plan to miss the friendly clash due to serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promoter' in Japan.
However, an 11th hour change saw the outstanding fee paid in time for Barcelona to board the plane, and their warm up plans for the 2025/26 campaign have now been reset.
Despite being held 1-1 at half-time, late goals from debutant pair Roony Bardghji and Dro Fernandez clinched victory, with Marcus Rashford making his debut off the bench.
Summer signing Joan Garcia started in goal, before being replaced at the break by Wojciech Szczesny, in his first appearance since joining from rivals Espanyol.
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The subject of who will be Barcelona's first-choice keeper next season remains a delicate subject for Flick with club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the centre of the storm.
Hansi Flick offers Barcelona No.1 update after Vissel Kobe win
Ter Stegen's injury at the start of last season allowed Barcelona to utilise a La Liga rule which permits 80% of a player's salary to be utilised to sign a replacement if they are sidelined for over four months.
Szczesny was coaxed out of retirement and became a vital part of Flick's La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup treble win.
However, despite the expectation of Ter Stegen reclaiming the No.1 spot when he returned to full fitness this summer, the signing of Garcia has complicated the situation.
Ter Stegen has caused waves by claiming his incoming back surgery will keep him out for three months - which misses the threshold to allow Garcia to be registered with La Liga - and the club are unhappy with the Germany international.
Previous indications of a sale have now been blocked, due to his latest injury setback, and despite the club's stance on him, Flick admitted there is no clear resolution.
"Joan Garcia wore the No.1 today. But, it was just for the tour. Pedri wore No.8, I think Lamine wore No.10."
Barcelona are working on Garcia's registration - to avoid a repeat of the Dani Olmo chaos from earlier this year - but Ter Stegen may remain in the squad either way.
Up next on Barcelona's summer tour is two clashes in South Korea against FC Seoul and Daeegu on July 31 and August 4 rspectively.
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