Barcelona Bracing for Visit of In-Form Brest in the Champions League
Barcelona seek a fourth win this season in the Champions League when they host French opponents Brest at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday night. Sitting sixth in the Champions League standings and on nine points, Barcelona will go head to head with Brest, who sit just above them in fourth with 10 points. This promises to be a high-stakes clash for the two teams.
Match Preview
Barcelona’s Champions League Campaign
Coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw in La Liga against Celta Vigo last weekend, Barcelona stayed atop the domestic table five points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid. In reality, Barca’s recent league form has been very poor, with only one point taken from the last two matches.
In Europe, Hansi Flick’s side has been dominant since their opening loss to Monaco. They responded with emphatic wins over Young Boys, Bayern Munich, and Red Star Belgrade, scoring 14 goals in those three games.
Historically, Barcelona boast the impressive record of nine wins in their 14 home matches against teams from France. Yet inconsistency at home in Europe has been a problem, with only eight wins in the last 19 games staged at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Brest’s Astounding Champions League Debut
Brest has been this season’s surprise package in the Champions League. In their maiden season, Eric Roy’s side has garnered 10 points from four games with victories against Sturm Graz, Red Bull Salzburg, and Sparta Prague, along with one draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the flying start to their continental campaign, Brest have struggled at home, having lost their last three Ligue 1 outings, including a 3-2 defeat to Monaco. They stand 12th in Ligue 1, 10 points off the top three.
While Brest’s European form has been against all expectations, their recent domestic sticky run could be a factoring element against an upbeat Barcelona team.
Team News
Barcelona Injuries and Potential Changes
Ronald Araújo, Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Marc Bernal are some key names that have taken seats on Barcelona’s injury list. Lamine Yamal is unlikely to feature with an ankle problem, while Eric García and Ferran Torres are also close to full fitness but remain doubtful.
Hansi Flick might ring in changes from the draw against Celta as Frenkie de Jong and Alejandro Balde could get starting berths.
Predicted Barcelona Starting XI:
Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Casado; Olmo, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Brest’s Injury Issues
Brest has a number of injury problems, with Massadio Haïdara-muscle, Romain Faivre-ankle, Soumaila Coulibaly-pelvis, and long-term absentee Bradley Locko-Achilles-all out. Pierre Lees-Melou will face a late fitness check, while Abdallah Sima is doubtful because of a muscular problem.
Ludovic Ajorque, instrumental with three goals and four assists so far this season, is available to lead the attack.
Predicted Brest Starting XI:
Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Amavi; Camara, Lees-Melou, Fernandes; Balde, Ajorque, Doumbia
Prediction
Barcelona 2-0 Brest
Brest’s Champions League performances have been remarkable, but facing Barcelona at home will be a significant challenge. The Catalan giants’ attacking firepower and experience make them strong favorites to claim all three points and strengthen their position in the standings.
