Barcelona clinched a 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Joan Gamper Trophy, sealing their win with late goals from Ansu Fati and Abde Ezzalzouli.
Despite a valiant effort from Spurs, who received a boost from Oliver Skipp’s two goals, the match took an unexpected turn in the final moments, leaving Ange Postecoglou’s team reeling.
Robert Lewandowski initiated the scoring just three minutes into the game, setting an early lead for Barcelona. However, Spurs mounted a surprising comeback as Oliver Skipp netted twice within ten minutes, granting them an unexpected advantage by halftime at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Barcelona demonstrated their dominance for most of the match, and their persistence paid off when Ferran Torres struck with ten minutes remaining, hinting at their potential to secure victory. Ansu Fati and Abde Ezzalzouli, stepping in as substitutes, finalized the triumph for Barcelona, capitalizing on the weakening defense of Spurs. Ange Postecoglou was left pondering the missed opportunity for victory.
While Tottenham exhibited a promising display with a revamped lineup, their pre-season journey concluded in defeat as Barcelona secured a 4-2 win to claim the Joan Gamper Trophy for the eleventh consecutive year.
Early on in Spain, Robert Lewandowski provided the hosts with a quick lead, but Spurs mounted an impressive response. Oliver Skipp’s brace in just over ten minutes orchestrated a turnaround by halftime, positioning the visitors in the lead. Despite their efforts to hold on, three late goals from Barcelona ensured their continued dominance in the annual opening match. Xavi’s team secured their victory through goals from Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, with Abde Ezzalzouli sealing the win in stoppage time.
Tottenham’s focus now shifts to the upcoming Premier League season, commencing with an away match against Brentford on Sunday. The absence of key players such as Harry Kane, James Maddison, and Cristian Romero was notable, as Ange Postecoglou adopted a significantly altered lineup. In contrast, Xavi opted for a formidable starting lineup at the Olympic Stadium, reaffirming Barcelona’s intent to maintain their tradition of success.
The contrast became evident from the outset, as Barcelona swiftly established their lead within the opening three minutes. Raphinha skillfully delivered a cross to the back post, where Lewandowski allowed the ball to bounce before delivering a powerful strike past Guglielmo Vicario.
However, Spurs gradually grew into the contest and managed to seize the advantage before halftime courtesy of an unexpected pair of goals from Skipp. The midfielder first equalized with a clever finish, capitalizing on Lo Celso’s initial attempt that rebounded off the post. Skipp then extended both his and Tottenham’s tally by skillfully heading home a cross from Ivan Perisic.
Spurs continued to pose a threat, with Pedro Porro coming close to extending their lead after the break. Perisic once again played a crucial role, delivering a cross from the left that set up Porro. However, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen managed to thwart Porro’s effort, maintaining the scoreline.
Despite Spurs appearing more likely to find the net again, Barcelona managed to level the score with just ten minutes left on the clock. A well-placed long ball over the top caught Sergio Reguilon off guard, enabling Lamine Yamal to provide a square pass for Torres to slot home effortlessly. Reguilon’s lackluster performance was exposed once more as the hosts struck in the 90th minute. The 16-year-old Yamal showcased his skills, evading Reguilon with a graceful turn and delivering an inside pass to Fati, who confidently placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Barcelona’s young talents left a lasting impression as Spurs’ energy waned, and the fourth goal materialized with the final play of the match, as Abde Ezzalzouli elegantly finished off a sweeping move. Despite this setback, there were plenty of encouraging aspects from the night’s display to leave Postecoglou content as they returned to London and looked ahead to the forthcoming season.