FC Barcelona | Champions League

Barca fulfilled the double task set in Cadiz: they scored 3 points, taking the second line as a basis, and allowed the rest of the players who will play an important role next Tuesday (21:00, Montjuic) against Paris Saint-Germain.

Only two of the theoretical starting XI for the Champions League were involved in the game at Nuevo Mirandilla and played the full 90 minutes. Ter Stegen defended the posts and kept a clean sheet for the sixth time in a row in the league championship. And Kubarsi took advantage of his youth and stood on the field, despite receiving a yellow card and risking missing the classic match next Sunday. Its reliability has been tested by everyone.

The rest of the defense was able to rest. Only Kounde had minutes, who will once again manage his compatriot Kylian Mbappe. The Parisian entered the field in the 62nd minute, while Araujo did not need to play, and Joao Cancelo did not even travel to Cadiz due to suspension. There is also Inigo Martinez, but the one from Ondarroa is not going to start on Tuesday.

Pedri’s time has come

In midfield there may be one doubt that seems increasingly clear. Frenkie de Jong and the finally rested Gundogan are safe, and third place looks set to go to Pedri. The fact that Fermin started in Cadiz and played 80 minutes was a major clue, and it must be taken into account that Christensen and Sergi Roberto are unavailable due to suspension. The truth is that Pedri has recovered very well from his injury and after two half-hour chances in Paris and Tacita de Plata, The Tenerife native appears ready to make the starting line-up.

And there is little doubt above either. Lewandowski stayed home to serve his suspension and will be the team’s number nine against Luis Enrique’s men. Lamin added half an hour in Cadiz, while Rafinha added just ten minutes. The hero of Paris could only be rivaled by Joao Felix, who in Nuevo Mirandilla once again showed that he is a footballer as fickle as he is great. The Portuguese played almost the entire game (85 minutes) and it doesn’t look like his stellar performances in the league could earn him a starting spot in the Champions League.

Therefore, Xavi Hernandez’s possible line-up for next Tuesday against Paris Saint-Germain would consist of: Ter Stegen Kunde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Frenkie de Jong, Gundogan, Pedri; Lamine, Lewandowski and Raphinha.