As per Barcelona football club's tradition, the Spanish club play their first game at Camp Nou for the Joan Gamper Trophy and this time around, Italian giants AS Roma are going to be their opponents on Wednesday.
Barcelona has primarily won Joan Gamper Trophy 17 times in the last 20 years and only Sampdoria, Manchester City and Juventus have been victorious in the last two decades. AS Roma will be eager to spoil Barcelona's party in their first home game. Can the Italian side succeed against the Spaniards, who not only won the domestic title, but also the champions league last season?
AS Roma have their victory against Real Madrid and a draw against Manchester City in the International champions cup to show for their performances of late, but Barcelona were not impressive in their fixtures against Chelsea (2-2), Manchester United (1-3 loss) and Fiorentina (1-2 loss).
However, it is a different affair when Barcelona will face AS Roma in front of their home fans at Camp Nou as they are expected to come up with a brilliant game to please them.
Barca coach Luis Enrique hopes that the match turns out ot be a football party against a great opponent like AS Roma.
"Each time this game comes round it's the first time we get to meet the fans again at the start of a new season and that is always something special - I hope it turns into a footballing party and a great game against a great opponent," said Barca coach Luis Enrique.
Players such as Luis Suarez have started the pre-season brilliantly and the coach will need his no 9 to fire on all cylinders not only against Roma in the Gamper Trophy, but also throughout the season. Enrique said the team is looking forward to the new season.
"The squad is really looking forward to the Gamper and then two Super Cups and a great start to the league. We've had a good pre-season – though we need to improve at the back - and I am satisfied with the collective effort we've made. The results haven't been the best maybe, but I would give the squad a high mark overall. The best thing for me is that it is over and now we get down to the real business with the start of the season".
AS Roma must have been disappointed with their 2-0 loss against Sporting Lisbon on Saturday and they could get back on full track if they clinch the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday, which will require Roma players to be on top of their game.
Roma's coach Rudi Garcia felt that their team could have done better during that game. "Our opponents were further ahead in their preparation, but there are no excuses. We could have done better," said Garcia.
Where to Watch Live
The Joan Gamper Trophy curtain raiser Barcelona vs AS Roma at Camp Nou has been scheduled for 10pm local start (1:30pm IST, 4pm ET, 9pm BST). Viewers in India can watch the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sony Six HD and Sony Kix.
Viewers in the US can watch the game on NGSN USA and football fans in most of the African countries can watch the Barcelona vs AS Roma match on SuperSport 7.
Italian and Spanish viewers can watch the Barcelona vs AS Roma match on Roma Channel and TV3 respectively.
It can also be streamed online two hours after the match ends on FC Barcelona website.
