Patri Guijarro guides Barça on and off the pitch on their first big night

Sant Joan DespíBarça did not fail. Pere Romeu's team presented themselves to their fans with another great match led by Patri Guijarro – on and off the field – and with goals from Esmee Brugts, Claudia Pina and Graham Hansen that served to overcome Brighton and win a new Joan Gamper Trophy (3-1). The performance of the new Barça goalkeeper, Tyler McCamey, also stood out, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd and already hearing her new chant.

Presentation day at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. As is customary at every Joan Gamper Trophy, the new signings received the first ovation from the Barça fans. Pere Romeu and Patri Guijarro also received many ovations, with the latter debuting as the new Barça captain after the departure of Alexia Putellas.

Renee Van Asten will wear number 3; Kerolin –the star signing of the summer–, number 7; Martina Fernández, number 24, and Tyler McCamey, number 25. Additionally, Carla Julià, who renewed until 2030 and now has a first-team contract, will wear number 21. For her part, Esmee Brugts is changing number 24 for 22.

The desire to win the five titles (Champions League, League, Queen's Cup, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions Cup) and to be "the best team in the world" were the two most repeated messages by both Patri Guijarro and Pere Romeu in the speeches prior to the start of the season. "I take on the responsibility with great enthusiasm and pride," said the new Barça captain.

Romeu, for his part, warned the young players that they must be prepared, because they will be important throughout the season, just as happened last year with Clara Serrajordi, Aïcha Camara, and Carla Julià. A year ago, all three faced the Gamper with a reserve team number. Twelve months later, they are an important piece for Pere Romeu and are consolidated in the first team.

The coach also remembered Laia Aleixandri, who has been injured with cruciate ligaments since February and will be out until the end of 2026, at least. "We miss you a lot. I hope and wish that your recovery is going well. Soon we will have you back with us," he said in front of an emotional Aleixandri.

McCamey presents himself to the fans

New era, but on the field everything remains the same. Barça dominated and didn't take long to open the scoring, after a great change of direction from Patri Guijarro and an exquisite oriented control from Esmee Brugts to overcome her opponent and put the blaugranes ahead.

Despite the good image of Pere Romeu's team, Brighton found a weak spot to hurt the Catalans: the space behind the left flank defended by Esmee Brugts and Martina Fernández. The English team attempted several through passes towards Kiko Seike and, in one of these, the Japanese footballer perfectly finished past Cata Coll to equalize the match. Impossible to stop for the Balearic goalkeeper.

Barça continued with the same planned match script; controlling possession and looking for spaces to inflict damage. Again, however, everything started from a great filtered pass from Patri Guijarro, who excelled in her first great night as Barça captain. Claudia Pina, appearing from the second line, did not falter against Loeck to put Pere Romeu's team ahead again.

Another of this team's hallmarks is pressing in the opponent's half. This is how the third goal came about, after a recovery by Ewa Pajor and a great finish by Graham Hansen. Brighton continued to try, but Cata Coll made a great save from Fran Kirby's shot before being replaced by Tyler McCamey, who debuted in the blaugrana shirt and received a standing ovation at the Johan Cruyff Stadium after two great saves. Very good minutes from the new goalkeeper in her presentation. Another of the highlights of the second half was seeing Kerolin, although she had a discreet few minutes.