In what was expected to be a night of celebration at the Estadi Lluís Companys, Barcelona faced an unexpected setback. With Spotify Camp Nou undergoing renovations, the team managed by Hansi Flick hoped to delight their fans with a win in the Trofeo Joan Gamper, a traditional summer tournament hosted by the Blaugrana. However, it was Monaco who left with the trophy, securing a decisive 3-0 victory.

The surprising result has left some Barcelona supporters with a bitter taste, despite positive pre-season performances. The defeat has raised concerns about the adaptation to Flick's new system, especially with key players missing from the squad.

Monaco not only won the trophy but also took to social media to taunt their hosts. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Monaco playfully referenced Real Madrid, their historic rivals, with the message: "To triumph in fair play, defending your colors." The post also used the term "club señor," a nod to Madridista fans, to announce their victory.

This win in the Trofeo Joan Gamper is particularly notable for Monaco, as it marks their first participation in the tournament since the 1960s. While the trophy does not hold the same prestige as major national or international competitions, the defeat of Barcelona at home is significant. The Blaugrana had held the trophy since 2012, when Sampdoria narrowly took it. Despite this setback, Barcelona went on to win LaLiga that season under Tito Vilanova, showing that the Gamper Trophy is not always a predictor of future success.

Despite the loss, Barcelona and their fans should remain optimistic as they prepare for the new season. The first test of the campaign has been challenging, but the real challenge begins with the league matches.