Barça’s rivals in the 50th edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy game AS Roma have won their first game of the International Champions Cup game that is taking place in Australia. In 90 minutes neither the Italians nor their opponents Real Madrid were able to find the net despite numerous chances for both sides. Former blaugrana Iago Falqué started the game and in the second half another ex-Barça player, Seydou Keita, made an appearance as coach Rudi Garcia made wholesale changes.
It was the Malian who struck the decisive penalty in the shoot out to give Roma a 7-6 win. Before facing the blaugranes in August at Camp Nou in the Gamper game, Roma will have two more matches against Manchester City and Sporting Lisboa. Barça, in contrast, have four matches against LA Galaxy, Manchester United, Chelsea and Fiorentina.
