FC Barcelona enters the Champions League with a must-win mentality after a hard-fought 2-1 derby win over Girona that covered up the wounds from their devastating 4-1 loss to Sevilla. In the league phase, Hansi Flick’s team is in 16th place with three points from a victory over Newcastle and a close loss to PSG. They will host Olympiacos on Tuesday night. In addition to moving up the table, a win here would make a statement before this weekend’s El Clásico. Can the Blaugrana regain their violent edge against a Greek team that is desperate for their first UCL victory in more than ten years?
Match Details
- Fixture: FC Barcelona vs Olympiacos
- Date: Tuesday, October 21st
- Kick-off Time: 10:45 pm IST
- Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
- Streaming (India): Sony Liv
Barcelona’s Form:
Barcelona has had a wild week. The Sevilla thrashing demonstrated tactical weaknesses and fatigue, but Araujo’s finish in the 93rd minute secured a 2-1 win over Girona. The midfield’s Magic was showcased in Pedri’s first game against Girona, but without its talismans, the attack is weak.
The injury list is a nightmare: Raphinha (muscle, doubtful after four games missed), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), Joan Garcia (knee), Gavi (knee), and Robert Lewandowski (hamstring, out a month) leave a hole up top. Ferran Torres (hamstring) has also not recovered from his injury yet. Flick may rotate: Gerard Martin could slot in at left-back, with Fermin Lopez pushing for a start after a lively sub appearance. Wojciech Szczesny remains in goal, while Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford will shoulder the creative load
Olympiacos’ Form:
With a point from a goalless draw with Pafos and a 2-0 loss to Arsenal, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s Reds are in 29th place in the UCL standings. They are flying domestically: With 16 points (five wins, one draw, and one loss), the team sits second in the Greek Super League. Injuries also hit hard: winger Gabriel Strefezza and full-back Rodinei are sidelined, and several players (including Remy Cabella and Nikos Botis) were left off the UCL roster. Pedro Chiquinho (five goals) and potential recalls like Gelson Martins back up El Kaabi, who has seven goals this season. Their counter-threat, particularly from set-pieces, could take advantage of Barca’s high line problems, despite the fact that they have lost 11 consecutive UCL group/league phase games.
Head-to-Head and Key Battles: History Favors the Hosts
Barcelona have never lost a European home game to Greek sides, including a 3-1 win over Olympiacos in 2017. Flick even oversaw a 2-0 Bayern victory over them in 2019-20. Mendilibar? He’s lost 23 of 27 against Barca-managed teams.
Key Battles to watch for:
- Lamine Yamal vs Francisco Ortega: The 18-year-old magician will test the Greek left-back’s pace on the right flank.
- Ronald Araujo vs Ayoub El Kaabi: Araujo’s aerial dominance vs El Kaabi’s clinical finishing.
- Midfield Scrap: Pedri/Frenkie de Jong vs Joao Carvalho/Matheus Hezze: Barca’s possession maestros must neutralize Olympiacos’ workhorses to avoid counters.
Predicted Lineups: Rotation with an Eye on Madrid
- Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; De Jong, Pedri, Yamal, Fermin, Rashford, Toni Fernandez
- Olympiacos (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Garcia, Hezze; Martins, Chiquinho, Podence; El Kaabi.
Prediction: Barcelona to Edge a Professional Win
We predict a 3-1 home win, easing pressure before the Clasico.
