Barcelona lineup today: Yamal Misses Out Due To Injury

• Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
• Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, G. Martin
• Midfielders: Marc Casadó, Pedri
• Attacking Midfielders: Raphinha, F. Lopez, Dani Olmo
• Forward: Robert Lewandowski

This lineup reflects Flick’s strategy to blend experience with youthful energy, providing a balanced approach to both defense and attack.

Key Players to Watch

Robert Lewandowski: Leading the attack, Lewandowski is on the verge of joining an elite group of players with 100 Champions League goals. His finishing ability will be crucial in breaking down Brest’s defense.
Raphinha: Positioned on the right wing, Raphinha has been in exceptional form, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s offensive play. His pace and creativity are expected to pose a constant threat.
Pedri: Operating centrally, Pedri’s vision and passing accuracy will be vital in orchestrating Barcelona’s attacks and maintaining midfield dominance.

Injury Updates and Squad Depth

Notably, Lamine Yamal has been ruled out for this match due to not training with the group, as reported by Cadena SER. Additionally, Eric García has recently recovered from injuries and is part of the substitutes. Ronald Araújo has completed part of the training with the group but is not expected to feature in the starting lineup.

Tactical Overview

Flick’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing fluid transitions into attack. The double pivot of Casadó and de Jong offers a blend of defensive coverage and playmaking capabilities. The full-backs, Koundé and Fort, are anticipated to support wide attacks, providing width and creating crossing opportunities for Lewandowski.

Simulation

We recently simulated the game to get an idea of how the match would pan out.

Barcelona showcased exceptional fluidity in attack and solid defensive organization, indicating their readiness for the challenge ahead. In contrast, Brest must enhance their creativity and maintain composure to stand a chance of securing a favorable outcome in the real encounter.

The simulation ended in an emphatic 3-0 victory for Barcelona, underscoring the team’s potential to dominate in the upcoming match.