Barça and Celta face each other this Saturday at 4:15 PM, in the match corresponding to Matchday 32 of the EA Sports League. Both teams arrive with their goals very clear, some fighting to win the League and others to return to Europe. The match can be watched on DAZN and the minute-by-minute through our social media @carpetasblaugranas
Mario Melero López will be the main referee of the match, accompanied in the VAR by Del Cerro Grande. The Andalusian has refereed the blaugranas up to 12 times, with a total balance of 9 wins, one draw, and one loss. Regarding Celta, it is the team he has refereed the most (34), with more losses (15) than wins (11)
How Barça Arrives
Barça lost their unbeaten record in a match that could be lost after the good result of the first leg. In the League, they maintain a good streak, coming from a dramatic win against Leganés with an own goal, a victory that wins championships. Regarding this match, the precedents are positive, as out of the last 5 direct duels, they have won 4 times and only lost one.
Flick showed anger over the schedule and accused those in charge of not protecting the teams that play in the Champions League. Regarding the defeat against Dortmund, he states that they made mistakes and that they have already discussed it so it doesn't happen again against Celta. Finally, he is very happy with the situation they have now, as it is something he would have signed at the beginning of the season.
The starting eleven could be very similar to the one that played in Germany, with some changes to continue giving rests. Pedri will return to the base and on the wing, one of the two will rest, possibly Lamine, as he is the one who has had the least rotation. In defense, Íñigo will return after not playing any minutes in the Champions League, while Gavi and Kounde are one booking away from suspension.
How Celta Arrives
Giraldo's team is in the midst of a fight to qualify for Europe, after several years where the concern was to achieve salvation. Before the start of the matchday, they are seventh with 43 points, tied with Mallorca and 5 behind Betis. However, as visitors, it is costing them more, as they have only achieved 13 points out of a possible 30 playing away from Balados.
Claudio Giráldez praised the Catalan team, describing them as one of the 2 or 3 best teams in the world. He cited the first leg to talk about the possibilities his team has to get points, in addition to Dortmund showing that Barça has weak points. Regarding the season's objective, he has not wanted to mention the possibility of returning to Europe as the important thing is the day-to-day.
Regarding the possible XI, there are doubts in defense because Starfelt is injured and his substitute varies between Jailson or Carlos Domínguez. In midfield, the position that is not clear is the companion of Moriba, although Fran Beltrán is the most likely candidate. Up front, it seems that the number nine will be Borja Iglesias, flanked by Alfon and Fer López, with Iago Aspas remaining on the bench.
Match Keys
Mental Management: the schedule is increasingly tight, and a defeat can mean losing a title. Flick's team comes from a defeat in Germany that, although it did not mean losing the tie, the team was seen as more tired. Here comes the mental factor, because when the physical aspect suffers, it is important for the players to know how to pace themselves for everything that is coming.
Strengthening the Left Back: Balde's absence is a problem for Flick's team, as he was returning to his best level. However, Gerard Martín has had many minutes in the first team and, like Balde, has been improving as the matches go by. It should be noted that the youth player will be a starter in these League matches and especially in the Copa del Rey final.
Alfon, His Best Moment: the Vigo striker has exploded in this last third of the season. When there is more talk about his possible move to Sevilla, he has scored 3 goals in the last 5 matches. The youth player is leading the Celeste team's attack from the left wing, looking for the central lane for a shot or pass to the one entering from the right.
Defense of 5: Barça will face another defense that will make it difficult for the game to go inside. The three central defenders are physically strong, hence the wings will be essential to open gaps and create danger. Mingueza suffers defensively, but when he goes up, he is very dangerous due to his good ball movement and his precision for lateral crosses.