FC Barcelona’s starting lineup against Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday will undergo three major changes when they face Royal Antwerp for their Champions League debut. … [+]
FC Barcelona is set to make significant alterations to the lineup that played against Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday as they prepare to host Royal Antwerp in their inaugural Champions League game.
The Catalan giants dominated Real Betis with a resounding 5-0 victory, which was praised as their best performance in a long time. This win also temporarily secured their position at the top of the Spanish league.
Barcelona’s triumph in the national championship placed them in Pot 1 during the Champions League draw that took place in Monte Carlo last month.
Compared to previous years, Barcelona has been placed in a relatively easy group and has a strong chance of progressing to the knockout stages for the first time in three seasons.
On Tuesday, the Montjuic Stadium, which is currently serving as Barcelona’s temporary home, will host their first-ever UEFA Champions League match in its 96-year history.
For their debut Group H encounter, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is expected to make three significant changes to the starting XI that defeated Betis just 72 hours ago.
One of the notable changes will be at the top, with Raphinha replacing the impressive Ferran Torres. This will mark Raphinha’s first start since his red card in Barcelona’s season opener against Getafe.
On the other side of Robert Lewandowski, Joao Felix has been given the green light after his impressive performance against Real Betis.
In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan is set to return to the starting lineup following a back injury scare while playing for the German national team.
Gundogan will be accompanied by Gavi and Frenkie de Jong in the center of the park, with the Dutchman likely playing as the pivot while Oriol Romeu takes a spot on the bench.
In defense, Joao Cancelo, another new signing and compatriot of Joao Felix, will retain his place at right back after a phenomenal starting debut where he even managed to score.
With Barcelona lacking a natural right back, Cancelo has the ability to seamlessly drift inside and act as a fifth midfielder, making it challenging for the Manchester City player to be replaced.
Joining Cancelo in defense and aiming to secure a clean sheet for Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen are the same defenders from Saturday’s game: Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde.
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