FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make two key changes to his defence when the Catalans host Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
One of the main talking points of four wins out of four in La Liga so far, with 17 goals scored and just two conceded, has been the emergence of Xavi Espart.
We first saw the La Masia Class of 2007 graduate on the right wing last term, and then moved into midfield for preseason friendlies.
Up until now, however, he’s operated at left back while Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde have been second and third choices.
That changes today, with Espart moved to the bench and the Portuguese stepping in for him.
Likewise on other flank, a previously dropped Jules Kounde wins his place back from Eric Garcia.
Centrally, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin will try to help Joan Garcia do something he didn’t manage in 2025/2026 on the continent despite winning the Zamora Trophy in Spain – keep a clean sheet.
After his genius display at the Mestalla on Sunday, where he earned his starting FC Barcelona debut after joining from Manchester City this summer, Rodri again gets the nod behind Pedri and the MVP of the 0-5 win over Valencia, Fermin Lopez.
With no central number 9, Raphinha is the top scorer in La Liga and takes those responsibilities here again.
He’s flanked by Anthony Gordon on the left, and a Lamine Yamal on the right who once more gave a masterclass in the prematch press conference during an afternoon he made the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
“All the big clubs dream of winning the Champions League. It’s the biggest tournament and we have the quality to win it, but we have to show it. And we want to do it.”
“At the moment everything looks good. We have a lot of experienced players. I see a lot of quality, a lot of intensity, everyone follows our idea and I also see a lot of communication on the pitch. And that’s important in great teams: talking, helping each other, being in communication. Everybody’s ready now and that’s good.”
FC Barcelona vs. Feyenoord kicks off at 18.45 local time in Catalunya.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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