Barcelona will search to bounce again within the Champions League with a fourth victory of the group stage as they host French debutants Brest at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday.
The Catalan giants endured a late collapse in La Liga over the weekend, conceding twice within the dying minutes in opposition to Celta Vigo to accept a 2-2 draw.
That slip, coupled with a defeat to Real Sociedad within the prior match, has left Hansi Flick’s males clinging to a four-point lead on the prime of La Liga with Atletico Madrid closing in.
In Europe, nonetheless, La Blaugrana have proven extra aptitude.
Since a slim 2-1 defeat to Monaco of their Champions League opener, they’ve gone on a scoring spree, dismantling Young Boys, Bayern Munich, and Red Star Belgrade to rack up 9 factors in 4 matches.
With 14 targets scored in that stretch, they’ve proved their firepower however might want to shore up defensively in opposition to a decided Brest aspect.
Historically, Barcelona have fared nicely in opposition to French opposition at house, boasting 9 wins from 14 matches.
Yet, their current European type in entrance of their supporters has been inconsistent, with simply eight victories from their final 19 house fixtures in continental competitions.
Newcomer wave
Brest have emerged because the shock bundle of the Champions League, defying expectations of their maiden European marketing campaign.
Sitting fourth within the group stage with 10 factors, Eric Roy’s aspect trails solely unbeaten Liverpool within the standings.
Les Pirates have surprised established names like Sturm Graz, Red Bull Salzburg, and Sparta Prague whereas holding Bayer Leverkusen to a draw.
However, home struggles inform a unique story – Brest have suffered three consecutive Ligue 1 defeats, together with a 3-2 loss at Monaco final Friday, leaving them twelfth within the league.
Despite their league type, Brest’s Champions League journey has been a beacon of hope.
Striker Ludovic Ajorque, with three targets and 4 assists this season, can be pivotal as they goal to increase their European fairytale.
Injury woes
Barcelona’s harm struggles persist, with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marc Bernal all sidelined.
Lamine Yamal, nursing an ankle concern, can also be unlikely to characteristic.
Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres are nearing returns however stay uncertain.
Frenkie de Jong and Alejandro Balde are anticipated to begin, doubtlessly changing Gavi and Gerard Martin.
For Brest, Pierre Lees-Melou will face a late health take a look at, whereas Massadio Haidara, Romain Faivre, Soumaila Coulibaly, and Bradley Locko are confirmed absentees.
Abdallah Sima’s availability stays unsure, however Ajorque is able to lead the road.
Source: www.dailysabah.com