FC Barcelona are set to kick off their game against Borussia Dortmund soon. This particular UEFA Champions League clash will be a massive one for both teams, and La Blaugrana will need to be ready for it. Ultimately, Barcelona need a victory here for more than just the three points at stake.
With a few slips in La Liga recently, the Catalan giants desperately need a momentum boost that can be carried over to the games after this one. For that reason, many expected that Hansi Flick would be deploying a strong starting eleven for this outing.
As it turns out, they were not wrong as the official starting line-up has just been announced.
Inaki Pena returns as the starting goalkeeper and there was really no doubt about this position. He has been solid on his own in recent games and despite the fact that his team have slipped up, the Spaniard himself can keep his chin up.
Ahead of him, the ever-reliable partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez take their place as the two centre-backs. The Spanish duo has been solid this season, and as Hansi Flick’s trusted defensive pairing, they will need to nullify Dortmund’s advances.
On either side of the two Spanish centre-backs, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde retain their place as the regular starting fullbacks. The combination of strength and pace that they provide could be a key asset for Hansi Flick’s team in this game.
Up ahead of them, Marc Casado and Pedri start as the two holding midfielders. Their job will be to supply the forwards with the right kind of service to get something out of, while also helping out their defenders in keeping the opposition at bay and maintaining control of the game while in possession.
In front of them, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal occupy the wide flanks of the Barcelona attack and they will be hoping to do some real damage to their German opponents. Between them, Dani Olmo retains his place as well to play directly behind the team’s centre-forward.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Barcelona and Stade Brestois 29 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 26, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 30: Raphinha of FC Barcelona scores his team's first goal during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and UD Las Palmas at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 30, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo with Hansi Flick.
Lastly, Robert Lewandowski starts as the team’s focal point and spearheads the attack. The Polish striker has been in sensational scoring form this season, both in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, and he will be hoping to continue that in this game against a familiar opponent for him.