Barça starts a key week against a raging Athletic
Xavi’s men, plagued by casualties, seek a balmy victory before the Clásico
BARCELONA, 21 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
FC Barcelona opens a decisive week for its interests in LaLiga EA Sports by hosting Athletic Club this Sunday (9:00 p.m./DAZN) and, the following weekend, Real Madrid in a Clásico that they hope to reach with a chance of becoming leaders , so it is key to beat Ernesto Valverde’s ‘lions’ and, in between, get a good feeling against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
The Blaugranas entered the national team break with a draw in Granada (2-2), the second of the last three league games after also achieving a point in Mallorca (2-2). In fact, it was far from Barcelona where Xavi Hernández’s team scored points, after tying their debut in Getafe.
On the other hand, in their temporary home, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the culé team has made a full effort, which they hope to increase this Sunday against a rival against whom they have added 55 of the last 57 possible points in LaLiga in the heat of their fans. With Real Madrid (24) two points behind, a victory against the ‘lions’ will be vital to have a chance of taking the lead next week in the Clásico against Carlo Ancelotti’s men on the same stage.
All in a week of level in which they will also host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, a competition that they lead with a firm hand after two days and in which they have not yet conceded goals. However, the casualties will once again weigh down the Catalans, who have also been able to train for only two days together.
Xavi has not been able to count on Joao Félix, Cancelo and Fermín until Thursday, while Ter Stegen, Gündogan and Ronald Araujo have not arrived from their commitments with the national teams until Friday. All will be available in principle, so the Egarense coach will regret ‘only’ the absences due to injury of Pedri, Raphinha, Koundé, De Jong, Lewandowski and Sergi Roberto.
“We must continue playing with enthusiasm, continue improving in the game, that the results come through the game. We do not consider having 5 or 6 important losses as an excuse, we consider everything as a challenge. Step by step and add three points that would be very important for us. And to play well again, to have a good feeling again,” he said at a press conference.
Among the options that the culé coach manages for the defense, Marcos Alonso could fill the gap in Alejandro Balde’s side, who left the Spanish team’s concentration with discomfort, although he is recovered. Above, Fermín or Lamine Yamal could accompany Joao Félix and Ferran Torres.
For its part, Athletic Club, in a new reunion of Ernesto Valverde with his former team, goes to Barcelona ready to sign another victory after the one achieved against Almería (3-0), which interrupted a series of two games without winning, with a draw against Getafe (2-2) and the painful defeat in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad (3-0).
With 17 points, the Basque team is fifth, two points behind the ‘Champions’ and with four points ahead of the first of the contenders to get into continental positions. A victory this Sunday would put them in the noble zone of the table.
For this duel, Valverde recovers Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga and Nico Williams – whom some have placed at Barça next season -, so the red and white infirmary is left with only Yeray. Iñaki Williams, for his part, also seems ready after his long trip with Ghana to the United States.
The only four victories of the ‘lions’ in the last 28 matches against the culés have been at home, the most recent in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey in the 2019-20 season.
DATASHEET.
–POSIBLE ALIGNMENTS.
FC BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Christensen, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso; Gavi, Gündogan, Oriol Romeu, Fermín; Joao Félix and Ferran Torres.
ATHLETIC CLUB: Unai Simón; From Marcos, Paredes, Vivian, Yuri; Dani García, Vesga, Sancet; Iñaki Williams, Guruzeta and Berenguer.
–REFEREE: Martinez Munuera (C. Valenciano).
— STADIUM: Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.