FC Barcelona returns to action in LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 this Saturday in Montjuïc. Hansi Flick's team welcomes Girona with the obligation to win to cut a streak of two consecutive defeats, against PSG (1-2) and Sevilla (4-1), against a theoretically affordable rival that has faced many problems at the beginning of the season.
Míchel's team has barely managed 6 points out of a possible 24, 13 less than Barça (19), and they just achieved their first victory last matchday against Valencia (2-1). Despite the setback at the Sánchez Pizjuán, the *Culés* maintain the best offense in the tournament with 22 goals and remain a couple of points behind Real Madrid.
- 📺 Where and when to watch the match: the channels that broadcast the Barça-Girona game SEE
Barça needs to win to try and reach the Clásico as leaders
In that sense, the team led by Hansi Flick knows that a victory in the Catalan derby, added to a stumble by Madrid on Sunday in their visit to Getafe, will return them to the top of the standings just before the first Clásico of the season.
The Catalans had racked up 3 straight victories before falling in Seville. Prior to that, they had only dropped 2 points in Vallecas (1-1). Girona, on the other hand, began the 25/26 season with 3 straight defeats and boasts the worst defense in the tournament, with 17 goals conceded and just 5 scored (second-worst offense in LaLiga).
| S | BARÇA | GIRONA | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| W 🔴 | 4-1 vs Sevilla | 2-1 vs Valencia | L 🟢 |
| L 🔴 | 1-2 vs PSG* | 0-0 vs Espanyol | D 🟡 |
| W 🟢 | 2-1 vs R. Sociedad | 1-1 vs Athletic | D 🟡 |
| W 🟢 | 1-3 vs Oviedo | 0-4 vs Levante | L 🔴 |
| W 🟢 | 3-0 vs Getafe | 1-1 vs Celta | D 🟡 |
- *Champions League Match
- H: Home
- L: Local
- A: Away
Last season, Barça avenged their defeats in the 23/24 season (4-2 in Montjuïc and Montilivi) with a pair of thrashings (4-1) in both legs of the tournament. In Montjuïc, Krejcí (own goal), Lewandowski (brace) and Ferran scored the 'culé' goals. 'The Shark' and the Pole, unfortunately, will not be available on matchday 9.
Hansi Flick Adds More Injury Absences, but Recovers Lamine and Fermín
Both forwards returned with muscular problems from the second international break of the season. Torres only has an overload and should reappear against Olympiacos on Tuesday, while 'Lewy' will be out for around a month due to a torn femoral biceps. Dani Olmo will also be unavailable after injuring his left soleus.
Another confirmed absence will be Raphinha, as the Brazilian has taken longer than expected to recover from his injury to the right femoral biceps. Joan García also does not seem to be in a condition to return before mid-November, while Gavi and Ter Stegen are long-term absentees.
Thus, Barça has a total of 7 injury absences to face Girona, although Flick recovers Lamine Yamal and Fermín López. However, both academy players will start on the bench to avoid the risk of a relapse in their muscular problems. The player from Huelva has been sidelined for a month, while the '10' missed 5 of the last 7 matches for the Azulgrana team.
Barcelona will go with another unprecedented lineup
With so many absences due to injury, Hansi Flick anticipated, in the press conference prior to the Catalan derby, opportunities for the youth. 'Dro Fernández, as against Real Sociedad, would be a starter, this time as a 'false 9' or left winger to accompany Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford in attack.
With Olmo and Raphinha unavailable, Pedri could move several yards forward on the field, leaving the recovery work to Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casadó. In defense, there should be no surprises, with Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí in the center.
Jules Koundé or Eric García will defend the right flank, while Alejandro Balde aims to recover his side. Wojciech Szczesny, without Joan García available, will maintain his starting position for the fourth consecutive match in search of his first clean sheet of the season.
- ℹ️ Lineups: the possible starting XI for FC Barcelona and Girona: SEE
Girona will look to repeat the surprise of 2023 in Montjuïc
Girona, on the other hand, is also going through a difficult time with respect to injuries. David López, Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Francés, Thomas Lemar, and Azzedine Ounahi are confirmed to be out against Barcelona, although Tsygankov and Abel Ruiz have finally been medically cleared.
Míchel should not make significant changes to his lineup compared to the team that defeated Valencia at Montilivi. Gazzaniga remains in goal, while Arnau Martínez and Álex Moreno will be his full-backs.
In the center back position, the 3-man line would be maintained, with López, Vitor Reis, and Blind, while the Witsel-Martín duo should continue in midfield. Asprilla and Bryan Gil would be the wingers, with Vladyslav Vanat up front. The 'rojiblancos' have salvaged a couple of wins and draws in 10 league games against the 'culés'.
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