Barcelona

For the first time in Barcelona history, the club will play a game on Australian soil tonight.

90 mins to kick-off: Barcelona are set to play their first ever match in Australia tonight against the best players from the local top-flight competition. While only a friendly, this game means a lot to both fans and players. First half

They're here. Barcelona are actually here. Indeed it was immediately after their last round La Liga game – a 2-0 loss at home to…

“It’ll be good to get to know him over the next couple of days. Asked if he planned to dribble around the superstar Barca defenders he said: “I’ll see what I can do.” Had a couple of assists. Yorke added that very few people expected his team to win given the gulf in class. We expect them to be highly entertaining and very hard to beat,” Yorke said. And that’s why you expect a big crowd; they’re world class players with a world class manager.

The Barcelona team has arrived in Sydney ahead of Wednesday's friendly. Xavi has taken 20 players with him for a friendly against the A-League All Stars.

Barcelona are hoping to seal the signing of Leeds winger Raphinha as quickly as possible. FC Barcelona FC Barcelona

Barcelona travelled to Australia without the injured Sergino Dest, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, Sergi Roberto, Nico Gonzalez and Pedri. Ferran Torres was unable ...

Xavi appeared before local media after a 20-hour flight alongside Rafa Yuste and was clear to underline the historic importance of the fixture. The match, which will bring in €5m in income to Barcelona, will take place at the Accor Stadium. It has a capacity of 83,500 people and hosted 10,000 fans in the stands during Barcelona’s training session on arrival. Barcelona will play in Australia for the first time in their history this afternoon according to Mundo Deportivo. Xavi Hernandez brings his troops to Sydney 22 years after winning the silver medal there at the Olympic Games. The game will kick off at 12:00 CEST against a team of stars from the Australian League.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Mariners defender Kye Rowles chases after the ball against the Victory earlier this season. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images ...

"Sometimes it takes a couple of years to get your body in the right shape to be able to play each week, and play at a high standard," Rowles said. "At the same time, kids and families might not be able to travel to Spain at the drop of a hat, so to have the opportunity to be in Sydney and watching it is great for everyone. But it's been a good ride so far." Rowles' selection came on the back of an impressive campaign with Central Coast where he played 25 games in defence. It feels really good to be rewarded with this opportunity." We've got a good bunch of blokes here and the coaching staff has been incredible.