Barcelona try to increase their lead on the prime of LaLiga to a few 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 targeted 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Flick chosen Inigo Martinez within the 3-0 win over Osasuna in LaLiga on Thursday, after the Spanish defender had withdrawn injured from the nationwide crew squad for his or her latest Nations League matches.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 known as on.
“We received three factors and that is my focus, so I’m specializing in the following match towards Girona,” Flick informed a information convention on Saturday, a day earlier than leaders Barcelona host Girona in LaLiga.
“The opposite factor just isn’t 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 crew match, if they didn’t be part of the squad when known as upon, with out the federation’s permission.
Martinez performed 90 minutes towards Osasuna after pulling out of worldwide responsibility with knee discomfort, as Barcelona took a three-point lead on the prime of the desk.
The match was performed on Thursday after being initially postponed from March 8, when a Barca membership physician died, with neither facet eager to play it this week however each having appeals towards it rejected.
The Pichichi hones his expertise. ☄️ pic.twitter.com/GolxI0dZwX
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 29, 2025
Flick lined up towards Osasuna with star striker Robert Lewandowski on the bench, though he later scored when showing in its place.
The Polish veteran has 23 targets in LaLiga, main the scoring charts, often called the Pichichi, forward of Actual Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe on 22.
“Lewandowski is targeted on the success of the crew, not simply successful the Pichichi,” mentioned Flick.
“In fact, he desires to attain targets, he desires to play, however he additionally sees what the crew wants.
“This makes me actually proud, concerning the behaviour of Lewy, and it was a very nice scenario, a terrific second and every part went the suitable means towards Osasuna, so it’s one thing I actually admire.”
🌎 Worldwide begin occasions for Sunday’s Barça vs Girona! pic.twitter.com/wv0GTgw4E2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 29, 2025
Flick additionally mentioned that his Barcelona facet are prepared for the challenges of a packed schedule of matches till the top 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 one or two days extra to get well. It would undoubtedly be a terrific problem that awaits us from now till the top of the season,” Flick informed reporters.
“We’re prepared and need to combat till the top of the season. I’ve a sense that we’re all very happy with the match towards Osasuna.”
Actual Madrid drew degree on factors with Barca on the prime of LaLiga with their 3-2 win towards Leganes, though Barcelona maintain an 18-goal benefit on objective distinction.
Barcelona crew 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 crew information
Donny van de Beek is suspended, whereas Abel Ruiz, Jhon Solis and Ivan Martin are all injured.
Wanting good, Hansi. 😉 pic.twitter.com/kODMLgA3LF
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 29, 2025
