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FC Barcelona vs. Brest Champions League lineup: Flick makes changes


FC Barcelona vs. Brest Champions League lineup: Flick makes changes

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will change his lineup when the Catalans face Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday.

After a defeat and a draw in league games either side of the international break, Barca could do with a win against one of the European competition’s surprise packages this season.

On Saturday at Celta Vigo, Flick became angry when his team led 2-0 until the 84th minute, but then lost with two goals conceded by the hosts.

This means Real Madrid can reduce Barca’s lead to just one point provided they beat Valencia with one game to spare.

After recovering from a torn cruciate ligament and criticizing Jules Kounde for his blunder that allowed him to score, he made his first start in a year with Celta Vigo. Gavi will return to the bench while Fermin Lopez replaces him.

Despite the red card in Balaidos, Marc Casado starts as the only goalkeeper behind Pedri and Fermin.

Kounde also retains his place at right-back, as does the shaky Gerard Martin at the other end in defense as Alejandro Balde is unavailable.

“Balde had some muscular problems, so we thought he would take it easy. He is doing better today, but I hope he will be an option for the games in Brest. He won’t be there tomorrow,” said Flick at his press conference before the game on Monday.

As always when Ronald Araujo is out, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez are the two central defenders defending Inaki Pena’s goal.

At the top, Dani Olmo is in some ways still Lamine Yamal’s replacement on the left wing, as he lets Raphinha play there, who can play on the right, where the 17-year-old prodigy is usually recovering from a muscle strain.

“I think it will be the last game he misses. He seems better today,” said Flick about La-Masia-Perle Lamine.

“I think Saturday could be an option (against Las Palmas), maybe he’ll be on the bench. We have to wait and see,” added Flick.

FC Barcelona vs. Brest Starting XI: Pena; Gerard, Inigo, Cubarsi, Kounde; Casado, Fermin, Pedri, Olmo, Lewandowksi, Raphinha

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