FC Barcelona vs. Brest Champions League Line Up: Flick makes changes

On By Littum

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make changes to his line-up when the Catalans visit Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday.

After a defeat and a draw in the league either side of the international break, Barca could manage with a win over one of the surprise packages in European competition this term.

At Celta Vigo on Saturday, Flick was infuriated by his men, who led 2-0 up to the 84th minute, but then succumbed to two goals from the hosts.

That means Real Madrid can reduce Barca’s lead to just one point at the summit, provided they beat Valencia with a game in hand.

Making his first start in a year at Celta Vigo after recovering from an ACL tear, and criticizing Jules Konde for his blunder that allowed one to be pulled back, Gavi returns to the bench as Fermin Lopez replaces him.

Despite receiving a red card in Balaidos, Marc Casado starts as the lone focal point behind Pedri and Fermin.

Konde also retains his place at right-back, as does a shaky Gerard Martin on the other flank in defense because Alejandro Balde is unavailable.

“Balde had some muscle problems so we thought he would rest. Today he is better but I hope he will be an option for the games after Brest. He will not be there tomorrow,” Flick said at his press conference before the match d. Monday.

As ever, while Ronald Araujo is ever out, the centre-back pairing helping to defend Inaki Pena’s goals is Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.

Up top, Dani Olmo is still Lamine Yamal’s replacement on the left wing in a way because he plays there allowing Raphinha to play on the right, where we can usually find the 17-year-old prodigy currently recovering from a muscle strain .

“I think it will be the last game he misses, today he seems to be better,” Flick said of La Masia gem Lamine.

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

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