FC Barcelona prepare for pivotal fixtures against Europe's best
Currently sitting at the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona holds a narrow lead over a surging Real Madrid side who've started to hit their stride. Barcelona secured all three points against an inferior Sevilla side, keeping Real Madrid at bay ahead of the monumental Clasico.
But before facing Madrid, Barcelona must first contend with Bayern Munich—a team that has consistently troubled them in recent years. The upcoming Champions League fixture carries added significance, as the Blaugrana currently sit in 17th position in the group standings. Only a victory against the German giants will significantly boost their chances of reaching the round of 16 without risking a playoff.
The reunion with Bayern also carries an intriguing narrative: it was Hansi Flick, now Barcelona’s manager, who oversaw the infamous 8-2 drubbing of Barca while at the helm of the Bavarians. Now on the opposite side, Flick will be eager to turn the tables.
The good news for Barcelona is the return of key players at this crucial juncture. Dani Olmo, who started the season strong with three goals in his first three games, is expected back from a thigh injury, while Fermin Lopez, recovering from a similar setback, should be cleared ahead of El Clasico.
Even more encouraging was the return of Gavi against Sevilla, who missed ten months after a long recovery from an ACL tear. The 20-year-old returned as a late substitute off the bench in the final stages of the contest, which had been wrapped up well before halftime.
Pedri even handed Gavi the captain's armband as he trotted onto the pitch for the first time in nearly a year, marking an emotional moment for both Gavi and the Barcelona fans, who recieved him with a standing ovation.
With a full-strength squad and pivotal matches ahead, Hansi Flick has the tools at his disposal to navigate this challenging stretch. How Barcelona perform in these fixtures could well shape the trajectory of their season.