It was a mammoth efficiency from Barcelona to defeat Benfica 1-0 within the first leg of their Champions League spherical of 16 tie, particularly contemplating that Hansi Flick’s aspect have been compelled to play over 10 minutes with 10 males after Pau Cubarsi noticed purple early on for a final man problem on Vangelis Pavlidis.
Raphinha’s second half strike ensured that Barcelona will begin with a one-goal benefit for Tuesday’s return leg on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, though the efficiency in Lisbon didn’t come with out sacrifice. Alejandro Balde suffered an ankle damage through the match, for which he might want to bear medical exams, and now Marca have reported that two extra gamers ended the encounter on the Estadio da Luz with bodily issues.
Inigo Martinez suffered a stamp to his leg through the first half – which went unpunished, and due to that, the veteran defender was yellow-carded by referee Felix Zwayer for complaining. He’s nonetheless struggling with the after-effects of that, and he may very well be rested towards Osasuna on Saturday so as to guarantee that he’s at 100% for the second leg.
The report has said that Pedri additionally suffered with muscular discomfort, and he’s one other that’s not anticipated to be risked towards Osasuna. Hansi Flick is prone to make vital modifications for the La Liga encounter on the Estadi Olimpic, with the likes of Marc Casado, Eric García, Gerard Martín, Gavi and Ferran Torres set to be included within the beginning line-up to face Los Rojillos.
Events like this are the rationale that groups like Barcelona have a giant first group squad. Flick will likely be decided to have his “gala XI”, Cubarsi apart, prepared to begin the second leg towards Atalanta, and in consequence, many gamers may very well be given the weekend off from taking part in.