FC Barcelona are set to host Brest in the Champions League after a disappointing 2-2 draw at Balaídos against Celta Vigo.
Lamine Yamal was unavailable for the previous game and is unlikely to feature in this clash. Hansi Flick has emphasized the importance of allowing the young forward to fully recover despite his minor knock.
However, Barcelona cannot execute their usual tactics without their key creator. Against Celta Vigo, Raphinha was pushed to the right wing, while Dani Olmo was deployed on the left. While the Catalans went for a win, they lacked the nerves and conceded due to their complacency in the last minutes.
Signs of mental fatigue are starting to show within the squad. Flick recognized his mistakes, admitting his team lost focus and intensity in the last ten minutes, a lapse that has become a recurring issue.
On the bright side, Barcelona confirmed Ronald Araújo has returned to training, although it’s unlikely he will feature before the end of this year. Meanwhile, Gavi’s return has brought much-needed energy to the midfield. This was evidenced by the team’s dip in intensity following his substitution against Celta.
Criticism from fans regarding Flick’s one-dimensional tactical approach has intensified. The coming weeks will determine whether the manager can adapt and address these concerns.
Brest’s season in Ligue 1 hasn’t been stellar. The team currently sits 12th in the standings, having collected just 13 points from 12 games. Their negative -6 goal difference speaks for itself. A porous defense has been their Achilles’ heel, leaving them languishing in the lower half of the table.
Brest made their debut in the Champions League this season, where they have displayed much better form than in Ligue 1. They have been the surprise package of the tournament, currently ranking 4th in the league.
Brest started their European campaign with a 2-1 victory against Sturm Graz, hammered RB Salzburg (0-4), and won against Sparta Praha (1-2). Only Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen managed to stop Brest from winning, as that match ended in a 1-1 draw. Brest are now one of the five remaining unbeaten teams in the Champions League.
However, recent form suggests cracks are appearing. Brest have lost their last two Ligue 1 games, conceding six goals in defeats to Montpellier (3-1) and Monaco (3-2).
Bradley Locko and Abdallah Sima will miss the match due to injuries, further weakening Brest’s options to be successful in this stage of the season.
Bet hereEven without Lamine Yamal, Barcelona are heavy favourites to claim all three points in this Champions League encounter. The Catalans are eager to bounce back after they already lost to another French team in the Champions League, AS Monaco (1-2).
With the game taking place at Camp Nou, Hansi Flick’s team will enjoy the home advantage. This is especially significant given Brest’s poor away record in both the Champions League and Ligue 1.
Ferrán Torres, who has been under the radar recently after returning home due to the DANA storm affecting Valencia, could feature in this match. His inclusion may be necessary, as Dani Olmo has been unable to replicate his earlier stellar form from the left wing. Meanwhile, Gerard Martin is unlikely to start after a poor game against Celta Vigo last weekend.
Barcelona has been a difficult challenge for visitors in the Champions League, as Young Boys suffered a manita (5-0) while Kompany’s Bayern also suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat.
The Catalans are undoubtedly favorites, but they need to implement possible rotations before facing Las Palmas next.
Robert Lewandowski has been one of the standout performers this year, silencing critics who wrote him off after a poor previous campaign.
Lewandowski scored 19 goals in La Liga during the 23/24 campaign. This season, the Polish striker has already scored 15 goals – and it’s only November. Lewandowski scored Barcelona’s second goal against Celta Vigo in their recent draw, continuing to add to his impressive tally.
Considering Brest’s defensive shortcomings,it would be surprising if Lewandowski didn’t capitalize on the spaces their backline often leaves exposed. If there’s one match where Lewandowski could bag multiple goals, this is it.
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