FC Barcelona will host Young Boys at the Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday, in the match corresponding to the second day of the 2024/25 Champions League. The ball will start rolling at 9:00 p.m. and will pit Hansi Flick's team against one of the teams, a priori, most affordable in the group.
The Blaugrana team will seek to reverse their situation in the continental competition and get their first win of the season, since in their European debut they were defeated at the hands of Monaco (2-1).
The Catalans hope to take advantage of their home advantage to add their first three points of the season in the Champions League against one of the 'weak links' of the competition. The Swiss team lost resoundingly at home to Unai Emery's Aston Villa (0-3) on the first day of the championship.
In addition, they have lost four of the eight games played in the league, they are second to last and their coach Patrick Rahmen arrives in a difficult situation, so, in principle, the 'wind is blowing in favour' of the Catalans.
Will Hansi Flick put out his 'gala' eleven?
In the last LaLiga match against Osasuna, Hansi Flick made massive rotations in the starting eleven. Iñigo Martínez, Balde, Marc Casadó, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha came off the bench at El Sadar, while Robert Lewandowski was substituted in the 70th minute with a view to next Tuesday's match.
Thus, everything indicates that the German coach will bet on his 'gala' eleven, with some changes forced by injuries and the suspension of Eric García, who in the last matches had covered the axis of the midfield.
In this way, Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo and Balde would once again protect the Barça rearguard, with the Frenchman aiming for his tenth consecutive start. Meanwhile, Raphinha would be in charge of accompanying Pedri and Casadó in a midfield that is extremely depleted by the physical problems of its players and the sanction of the '24'.
In attack, Ferran Torres, a starter last Saturday in Pamplona, could cover Raphinha's position, who would be forced to centralise his position. Finally, Ansu Fati could see action for the first time in front of the Barça fans, since he has not worn the shorts since his 'debut' in Monaco.
An unprecedented match for Barça
Both teams have never faced each other in their history, so the duel next Tuesday, October 1, will set a precedent for the two clubs. In principle, Hansi Flick's team are the favourites for the match, as, despite last Saturday's defeat, they are in a considerably better position than their rivals.
In addition, the team is going into the Champions League match with extra motivation, as they hope to radically change their situation in the continental competition and earn three key points in their aspirations to qualify for the knockout round in the top eight places in the standings.
Match details:
- Match: Fútbol Club Barcelona vs Young Boys
- Competition: Champions League 2024/2025 - J1
- Stadium: Montjuïc, 49 472 espectadores
- Referee: Erik Lambrechts
- Clasification: Barça (22º) v Young Boys (33º)
- Schedules and television: Tuesday, October 1st 9:00 p.m. - World Guide
- Tickets: Buy tickets to watch the FC Barcelona vs Young Boys match