Barcelona vs Al Ahly: Match Preview, Predictions and Lineups
Barcelona will wrap up their preseason schedule by hosting Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday. This event, held since 1966, invites top football clubs from around the world to face off against the Blaugrana in a single friendly match. Al Ahly mark the first African team ever to compete in this tournament.
Barcelona’s preseason journey has taken them across Europe. After a closed-door win over CE Europa, they traveled to England for a draw with Birmingham City, then participated in a triangular tournament in Italy against Nottingham Forest and Udinese. Their last stop was Switzerland, where they defeated Basel 5–2.
The La Liga title defense for Barcelona starts Sunday with an away match at Elche. Manager Hansi Flick’s squad benefits from an extended preparation period due to many players returning late from the World Cup.
Score Prediction: Barcelona Expected to Win Their 48th Joan Gamper Trophy
After showing strong attacking prowess against Basel, including goals from young talent Lamine Yamal and appearances from Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and newcomer Anthony Gordon, Barcelona look ready to dominate. Flick may field an even stronger lineup at Camp Nou, posing a tough challenge for Al Ahly, who have yet to start their season and face a higher level of opposition than usual.
Backed by home support, Barcelona could overwhelm the Egyptians, aiming for a convincing victory. Historically, the Blaugrana have won 47 out of 60 Joan Gamper Trophy games, including 12 wins in their last 13 matches, with a 5–0 win over Como last summer reinforcing their dominance.
Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Al Ahly
Projected Lineup for Barcelona Against Al Ahly
Players like Koundé and Yamal, who came off the bench last time, might start this match but could be subbed out by halftime as Flick manages fitness ahead of the league opener. Other adjustments will help the first team regain rhythm without risking injury.
Anthony Gordon may debut at Camp Nou, while Raphinha could lead the attack given the absence of key forwards Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Injuries rule out Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, and Pedri’s participation is uncertain after missing the Basel game.
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: García
- Defenders: Koundé, Christensen, Martín, Balde
- Midfielders: Bernal, Espart
- Attacking Midfielders: Yamal, López, Gordon
- Forward: Raphinha
Al Ahly’s Likely Starting XI
Manager Hussein Ammouta will likely field a strong lineup featuring several players who represented Egypt at the World Cup, such as Emam Ashour, Marwan Ateya, and Yasser Ibrahim. New signing Monsef Bakrar, recently acquired from Dinamo Zagreb, should get minutes, while Akram Tawfik and Soufiane Benjdida aim to secure starting roles.
Al Ahly’s squad also includes former striker Hamza Abdelkarim, now with Barcelona, who has impressed in preseason by scoring three goals across matches with Birmingham and Basel.
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: El Shenawy
- Defenders: Hany, Ibrahim, Marei, Fouad
- Midfielders: Kouka, Ashour, Ateya
- Forwards: Zizo, El Shahat, Bakrar
Match Details: When and Where
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Stadium: Camp Nou
- Date: Wednesday, August 19
- Kick-off Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST
Broadcast Information
The match will be available worldwide through Barça Play and the official FC Barcelona YouTube channel. For a complete list of broadcasters covering the game globally, viewers can check official sources.
