Champions League
Sep 19, 2023 8.00pm
5
0
HT : 3 0
FT Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
  • Joao Felix 11' goal
  • Robert Lewandowski 19' goal
  • Jelle Bataille 22' goal
  • Gavi 36' yellowcard
  • Gavi 54' goal
  • Joao Felix 66' goal

How Barcelona could line up against Royal Antwerp

How Barcelona could line up against Royal Antwerp

Barcelona will again be missing Pedri and Ronald Araujo through injury for Tuesday's Champions League group-stage opener against Royal Antwerp at Camp Nou.

Ilkay Gundogan returned from international duty with a back problem, but he was able to feature off the bench in Saturday's 5-0 win over Real Betis in La Liga.

Fermin Lopez is also set to return to the squad, with the central midfielder missing on Saturday due to a suspension that he picked up while representing Barcelona's second team.

There may just be the two changes to the side that started on Saturday, with Gundogan potentially coming in for Oriol Romeu in midfield, while 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who started on the bench last time out, could replace Ferran Torres in the front three.

Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both scored on their home debuts and should keep their spots, while Andreas Christensen's late substitution on Saturday was not due to an injury, so he will also start.

Raphinha came off the bench to score against Real Betis, but he has dropped down the pecking order since being sent off on the opening weekend of the new La Liga season against Getafe.

Yamal should feature alongside Felix and Robert Lewandowski in the final third, with Frenkie de Jong moving into the deeper midfield spot, allowing Gundogan and Gavi to push forward.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, De Jong, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix

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POLL
Who will win Tuesday's Champions League clash between Barcelona and Antwerp?
Barcelona 90%
Draw 6%
Royal Antwerp 4%
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