Official: Barcelona Lineup vs Crvena Zvezda - A Look at Xavi's Starting XI
The wait is over! Barcelona fans can finally see the official starting lineup for their Champions League clash against Crvena Zvezda. With a crucial victory needed to boost their chances in Group H, Xavi Hernandez has opted for a blend of experience and youth in his starting eleven.
Here's the official lineup:
Goalkeeper:
- Ter Stegen - The German shot-stopper is a mainstay in the Barcelona goal and will be crucial in keeping a clean sheet against the Serbian side.
Defense:
- Koundé - The French defender, who has impressed with his versatility, is expected to start at right-back.
- Araujo - The Uruguayan rock in the heart of defense is back from injury and will partner with...
- Christensen - The Danish center-back has formed a solid partnership with Araujo and will be key to Barcelona's defensive stability.
- Balde - The young left-back has been a revelation this season, and his attacking prowess will be vital against a tough Crvena Zvezda defense.
Midfield:
- De Jong - The Dutch midfielder is a key piece in Xavi's system and will be tasked with controlling the tempo and dictating play.
- Gavi - The young Spanish midfielder is rapidly becoming a fan favorite and will provide dynamism and energy to the midfield.
- Pedri - The orchestrator, the maestro, the one who can unlock defenses with his vision and passing range. Pedri will be key to Barcelona's attacking fluidity.
Attack:
- Dembélé - The French winger is in scintillating form and will be looking to add to his goal tally.
- Lewandowski - The Polish striker is a goal-scoring machine and will be the focal point of Barcelona's attack.
Substitutes:
- Iñaki Peña
- Sergi Roberto
- Marcos Alonso
- Kessie
- Ferran Torres
- Raphinha
- Ansu Fati
Key Takeaways:
- Youthful exuberance meets experienced leadership: Xavi has chosen a lineup that balances youth and experience, ensuring both creativity and solidity.
- Attacking intent: With the likes of Dembélé, Lewandowski, and Pedri in attack, Barcelona will be looking to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
- Defensive solidity: The backline, led by the ever-reliable Araujo and Christensen, aims to shut down the Crvena Zvezda attack and secure a clean sheet.
This is a crucial game for Barcelona, and the team will be looking to put in a strong performance to secure a vital victory. Let's see if Xavi's tactics and his chosen starting XI can deliver the desired result.