Barcelona try to increase their lead on the high of LaLiga to 3 factors as they entertain Girona.
Who: Barcelona vs Girona
What: Spanish LaLiga
The place: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
When: Sunday at 4.15pm (15:15 GMT)
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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick mentioned he’s centered on successful video games regardless of the specter of a possible punishment for an ineligible lineup rumbling on within the background.
Flick chosen Inigo Martinez within the 3-0 win over Osasuna in LaLiga on Thursday, after the Spanish defender had withdrawn injured from the nationwide group squad for his or her current Nations League matches.
Osasuna appealed to the Spanish soccer federation on Friday over Martinez being ineligible, citing FIFA guidelines relating to gamers who haven’t joined up with their nationwide groups when referred to as on.
“We received three factors and that is my focus, so I’m specializing in the following match in opposition to Girona,” Flick informed a information convention on Saturday, a day earlier than leaders Barcelona host Girona in LaLiga.
“The opposite factor will not be in my arms, it’s not about me.”
FIFA guidelines state that gamers can’t seem for his or her golf equipment inside 5 days of the final nationwide group match, if they didn’t be a part of the squad when referred to as upon, with out the federation’s permission.
Martinez performed 90 minutes in opposition to Osasuna after pulling out of worldwide responsibility with knee discomfort, as Barcelona took a three-point lead on the high of the desk.
The match was performed on Thursday after being initially postponed from March 8, when a Barca membership physician died, with neither aspect desirous to play it this week however each having appeals in opposition to it rejected.
The Pichichi hones his expertise. ☄️ pic.twitter.com/GolxI0dZwX
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 29, 2025
Flick lined up in opposition to Osasuna with star striker Robert Lewandowski on the bench, though he later scored when showing instead.
The Polish veteran has 23 objectives in LaLiga, main the scoring charts, referred to as the Pichichi, forward of Actual Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe on 22.
“Lewandowski is targeted on the success of the group, not simply successful the Pichichi,” mentioned Flick.
“In fact, he desires to attain objectives, he desires to play, however he additionally sees what the group wants.
“This makes me actually proud, in regards to the behaviour of Lewy, and it was a extremely nice state of affairs, an amazing second and every part went the appropriate means in opposition to Osasuna, so it’s one thing I actually respect.”
🌎 Worldwide begin instances for Sunday’s Barça vs Girona! pic.twitter.com/wv0GTgw4E2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 29, 2025
Flick additionally mentioned that his Barcelona aspect are prepared for the challenges of a packed schedule of matches till the tip of the season as they bid for silverware on three fronts.
Over the following 17 days, they’ve six matches in all competitions.
“You by no means know that [recovery time], even when you’ve gotten one or two days extra to get better. It can undoubtedly be an amazing problem that awaits us from now till the tip of the season,” Flick informed reporters.
“We’re prepared and need to struggle till the tip of the season. I’ve a sense that we’re all very happy with the match in opposition to Osasuna.”
Actual Madrid drew stage on factors with Barca on the high of LaLiga with their 3-2 win in opposition to Leganes, though Barcelona maintain an 18-goal benefit on objective distinction.
Barcelona group information
Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen will all miss the match whereas Pau Cubarsi is a doubt with an ankle drawback.
Girona group information
Donny van de Beek is suspended, whereas Abel Ruiz, Jhon Solis and Ivan Martin are all injured.
Trying good, Hansi. 😉 pic.twitter.com/kODMLgA3LF
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 29, 2025
