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The new Barcelona, led by Robert Lewandowski, will have its debut in the Trofeo Joan Gamper against the Mexican Pumas, an anticipated match in which Xavi Hernández's team must start showing what is expected of them after a forgettable year. This Barça wants to turn the page as quickly as possible to become what it used to be, to go from economic ruin to resurrection, led by Joan Laporta, with the work in the offices of Mateu Alemany and in the bench. And the idea is to reverse and start the winning cycle again following Johan Cruyff's maxim: "Money always on the field, not in the bank".
For the match, Xavi has called up the entire squad, 31 players, with the exception of goalkeeper Neto Munara, who is negotiating his move to English side Bournemouth. Thus, for the Gamper, goalkeepers Ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña, and Arnau Tenas are available. Defenders: Dest, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Piqué, Eric García, Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Balde, Sergi Roberto.
As well as midfielders Busquets, Pjanic, Pedri, Nico, de Jong, Kessié, Gavi, Collado, and Pablo Torre, in addition to forwards Dembélé, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Aubameyang, Ferran, Ansu Fati, Memphis, Braithwaite, and Ez Abde.
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The rival of the azulgrana will be the Mexican Pumas UNAM, with Dani Alves, until recently a Barcelona full-back, in their ranks. The 'universitarios', led by Argentine Andrés Lillini, will be the second Mexican team to face Barcelona in a Joan Gamper trophy.
In the previous experience, in 2014, León, with former Barcelona player Rafael Márquez in their ranks, was the guest and the azulgrana won 6-0, with a display from Neymar and Messi, and the support of the young Munir and Sandro.
Tomorrow's match will be special for Pumas, who have not played against Barcelona before, but also for Alves, 39, who left the Catalan club for the second time a few months ago.
"I told my teammates to enjoy that moment, which can be unique in their lives. Besides, they won't have many opportunities to play in the old Camp Nou, a stadium that will be renovated. Let's have a good time at a football celebration that will be special for everyone," he said.
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