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It was a party at the Camp Nou for Barcelona as they beat AS Roma 3-0 to win the 50th edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy. A great night, with the return of Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. and a beautiful crowd at the stadium as the highlights.
On the field, the most consistent performer was Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who just keeps getting better and truly has solidified himself as one of the world's best. Playing like he was in midseason form, Rakitic blew the doors off once again, and he scored a spectacular goal:
Because of that cracking finish and an overall great performance, he was voted by the crowd as the Joan Gamper Trophy MVP, which means he'll take home one of the ugliest things ever:
Well, he looks happy with it, but that trophy is just... ugh.
Anyway, after the game, the Croatian commented on his performance and looked ahead to the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla next week:
"Every game is special to me, even if it is a friendly, and it is an honor to defend this shirt with a full stadium and I'm happy for the victory and the goal. We must prepare for the Super Cup against Sevilla, we are working very hard, but it is still the preseason, and we have to continue to improve."
Source: FCBarcelona.com
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, IVAN!