The LaLiga champions wrap up the season with a visit from Andrés Iniesta and Sergi Samper as Vissel Kobe hosts Barcelona in a friendly in Japan.
FC Barcelona, the 2022-23 LaLiga title winners, will close their campaign by facing Vissel Kobe, the club led by legends Andrés Iniesta and Sergi Samper, in a match set for June 6, 2023. The fixture offers a meaningful sendoff for a season rich in milestones and memories, and it will be watched by fans around the world as a showcase of football culture connecting Europe and Asia.
Coverage of the Vissel Kobe versus Barcelona friendly in Japan
On Tuesday, Barça heads to Japan to meet the side captained by Iniesta and featuring Samper as part of a match intended to conclude the season on a high note. The kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 local time in Spain, a reminder of the time difference that makes this a late morning affair for European audiences and a bright afternoon event for Japanese viewers.
Where in Spain to watch the Vissel Kobe vs FC Barcelona friendly: TV channels and live streaming
The Barça squad traveled to the Japanese capital on Sunday, June 4, following their final league match against Celta. From Vigo, the team moved to Santiago de Compostela to board a charter flight bound for Haneda airport, continuing a journey that reflects the club’s global reach and the long-standing ties between Spanish football and Asian markets.
The Barcelona delegation, led by Vice President of Sports Rafael Yuste, includes Ter Stegen, Ousmane Dembélé, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Ferran, Iñaki Peña, Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso, Franck Kessié, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pablo Torre, Arnau Tenas, Unai Simón, Marc Guiu, Pau Prim, Dani Rodríguez, Julian Araujo, and Héctor Fort. The group represents a blend of senior stars, emerging talents, and a leadership core expected to guide the team through friendly terrain and eventual post-season reflections.
The match takes place at the National Stadium in Tokyo, a venue capable of hosting around 66,000 spectators. This game marks FC Barcelona’s return to Japan after nearly four years, echoing the club’s previous visit during a 2019 summer tour when Iniesta turned out against his former team in what was a memorable moment for supporters on both sides. That prior clash left a lasting impression, underscoring the depth of the relationship between Barcelona and Japanese football fans.
There is an extra emotional layer to Iniesta’s involvement this time. Beyond facing Barça, the game represents one of the final opportunities for the midfielder to wear the Vissel Kobe shirt, given his recent announcement of plans to move on from the club to pursue a new phase in his career. The emotional resonance adds significance for fans watching as Iniesta signs off a remarkable chapter in his playing life while Barcelona looks to close their season with style.
Television and streaming options for the match include Teledeporte, RTVE Play, TV3, and Esport3, ensuring coverage across multiple platforms for fans in Spain and beyond. The encounter also serves as a chance for scouts, pundits, and supporters to gauge how Barcelona’s roster, depth, and tactical approach translate to a different stage while continuing to honor a storied rivalry and friendship between two European clubs with global audiences. The game is also expected to attract attention from football communities in North America, where fans will discuss lineup decisions, substitutions, and the overall impact of the friendly on the club’s momentum heading into the off-season.
Source: Goal