FC Barcelona and Sampdoria will be competing for the 47th edition of the Trofeu Joan Gamper Estrella Damm at ten o’clock tonight – a replay of the European Cup final at Wembley 20 years ago
The party continues at the Camp Nou. Just 24 hours after their impressive opening league win against Real Sociedad (5-1), Tito Villanova’s team take on Sampdoria in the 47th edition of the Trofeu Joan Gamper Estrella Damm. It’ll be a special party, focussing on the 20th anniversary of that unforgettable night of 20th May 1992 when Barça won their first European Cup, beating the Italians at Wembley Stadium with an extra time screamer from Ronald Koeman. Twenty years on, the Gamper will be celebrating that famous victory and presenting the Barça 2012/13 players.
Pre-match party
As usual at the Gamper, there will be a whole series of pre-match activities, including concerts and games and activities for the younger fans . In addition, just before kick off the new squad will be presented, with the first appearance of the latest signing Alex Song.
Game time for everyone
It looks as if the Gamper will again give the fans the chance to see the first team players, as well as a number of B team youngsters, with Tito Vilanova likely to give a run out to some of the players who didn’t figure on Sunday night and those who had least playing time in the pre-season.
Maxi López returns to the Camp Nou
Sampdoria have been going through a rough time, though this season and they are certainly not up there with the team who Barça beat at Wembley, but they are back in the top flight after winning promotion through the play offs following a sixth place finish in the second division last year. Amongst the players signed to strengthen the team in the Serie A are ex-Barça man Maxi Lopez.