Fernández MenÃndez, Miguel à n
The Barcelona For the first time in a long time, he faces a European tie with the full confidence that he is the clear favorite to go through to the next round. Tonight, those of Xavi start their duel against galasararay at Camp Nou (9:00 p.m., Movistar + Champions League) in a very different way from, for example, receiving the Naples at the debut in Europa League after failing in Champions (follow the match live on As.com).
No matter how much Xavi appeals to prudence,his team is faced with the opportunity to put the pass to the quarterfinals on track at the Camp Nou and thus be able to manage next week’s visit to Istanbul with a view to the Clásico at the Bernabéu, which will be played three days later.
The draw two weeks ago in Nyon was conducive for a Barça that will be measured against a team that, Although it is still the most valued sports institution in Turkey, it is a long way from its best times. So much so that in Istanbul this season something unthinkable for the fans happened: the dismissal of Fatih Terim as a coach, an institution in the club. He occupied his position Domènec Torrent, old acquaintance of the Blaugrana fans (he was assistant to Guardiola), who took with him the goalkeeper Inaki Pena transferred to try to straighten the course of a team that is lost in the Super League (he is twelfth, 32 points behind the leader), eliminated in the Cup by Second Division Denizlispor (failure that precipitated Terim’s dismissal) and that only shows signs of life in Europe.
In the Europa League, Galatasaray offered their best version and finished first and undefeated in a difficult group against Lazio, Olympique de Marseille and Lokomotiv MoscowBut that was months ago.
Barcelona, which has found cruising speed in LaLiga and that comes from beating the Naples in his stadium, he is facing an opportunity that he must not miss. Xavi Hernández is facing a series of four determining matches after a month of a lot of activity in his players. If we add to that the management of the yellow cards, it is not surprising that the Blaugrana coach already announced yesterday at the press conference prior to today’s game who will make changes to the starting eleven.
One of those who aims to rest is Busquets, who accumulates many minutes and seems essential in LaLiga against Osasuna and much more in the Bernabéu Clásico. On many occasions, the Blaugrana coach has stated that he is not being fair to some players who deserve more minutes and In this situation, players like Nico for Busquets or Memphis Depay could enter the eleven, taking advantage of the fact that Gavi has to rest due to suspension. Xavi could start tonight’s match with the lead that finished it in Elche. In defence, Dest regains ownership by not being able to have Dani Alves.