Barcelona is gearing up for a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Young Boys on Wednesday, October 2nd. The match will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. The Catalan giants are looking to make amends after a disappointing opening defeat to AS Monaco in their first group stage match.
Manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Barcelona will be fielding their strongest available squad in an attempt to secure a vital victory. With the team still recovering from a string of injuries, Flick is hoping for the return of key midfielder Frenkie de Jong. De Jong has been sidelined since April due to an ankle injury and missed the recent European Championship.
Barcelona is looking to bounce back after suffering two losses in 10 days, against Monaco in the Champions League and Osasuna in La Liga. Flick has been navigating an injury crisis, with Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen all sidelined. He made the strategic decision to bench regular starters Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in Saturday’s 4-2 defeat to Osasuna, keeping the Champions League clash in mind.
Barcelona’s potential starting lineup includes Pena in goal, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, and Balde in defense, Casado and Torre in midfield, Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha in attack, and Lewandowski leading the line. Young Boys, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on Barcelona’s recent struggles. Their starting lineup is expected to feature Balmoos in goal, Athekame, Kamara, Zoukrou, and Hadjam in defense, Niasse and Lauper in midfield, Monteiro, Ugrinic, and Colley in attack, and Ganvoula leading the line.
The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and can also be streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website. Football fans will be eagerly awaiting this clash, as Barcelona seeks to reclaim their winning form and secure a crucial victory in the Champions League.
