Barcelona Play Al Ahly in Joan Gamper Trophy Match
Listen to the story
Barcelona are facing Al Ahly today in the Joan Gamper Trophy, an annual friendly match that traditionally closes the club's pre-season schedule.
The match is not part of any official competition. It gives fans a chance to see the team before the new season begins.
Barcelona's lineup for this match includes Raphinha, Rodri, Adeyemi, and Gordon, all expected to feature.
However, two players will be missing from the squad. De Jong and Julián Álvarez are not taking part in today's game.
According to reports, the Gamper Trophy is seen as a celebration for supporters, marking the end of pre-season preparations.
The match allows the coaching staff to assess the squad's form before official fixtures start.
Al Ahly, one of Egypt's most successful clubs, are the visiting opponents in this year's edition of the trophy.
Vocabulary6 words
- Joan Gamper Trophy
- an event Barcelona hosts each year before the season starts
- competition
- an official contest with a winner
- lineup
- the list of players who will play
- celebration
- a happy event for fans
- pre-season preparations
- training and games before the season begins
- official fixtures
- real matches that count for points
Quiz
Answer key
1. An annual friendly match 2. De Jong and Julián Álvarez 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Barcelona are facing Al Ahly today in the Joan Gamper Trophy, an annual _____ match that traditionally closes the club's pre-season schedule.
The match is not part of any official _____. It gives fans a chance to see the team before the new season begins.
Barcelona's _____ for this match includes Raphinha, Rodri, Adeyemi, and Gordon, all expected to feature.
However, two players will be missing from the squad. De Jong and Julián _____ are not taking part in today's game.
According to reports, the Gamper Trophy is seen as a _____ for supporters, marking the end of pre-season preparations.
The match allows the coaching staff to assess the squad's form before official _____ start.
Al Ahly, one of Egypt's most successful clubs, are the visiting _____ in this year's edition of the trophy.
Discussion questions
- Why do football clubs play friendly matches like the Joan Gamper Trophy?
- Do you think pre-season friendlies are important for a team's success? Why or why not?
- How do you feel when a favourite player is missing from a match?
- Would you like to attend an event like the Joan Gamper Trophy? Why?