Barcelona returns to Champions League action on Tuesday, hosting Olympiacos at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, seeking a return to winning ways in Europe ahead of this weekend’s critical El Clásico.
Hansi Flick’s side, currently plagued by a lengthy injury list, which includes Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo, managed a crucial, hard-fought 2-1 La Liga victory over Girona on Saturday, settled by a 93rd-minute winner from Ronald Araújo.
Speaking ahead of the match, Flick emphasized the need for improvement despite the recent result. “The victory against Girona was very important and it has been noticeable in the atmosphere of the training,” Flick stated. “We have analysed the match and we must run more and press better.”
Olympiacos, led by veteran coach José Luis Mendilibar, who has a poor record of only one win in 25 previous matches against Barça, are still searching for their first Champions League goal and win this season.
While the Blaugrana’s defensive weaknesses mean they “should be on upset alert,” most previews still back the hosts to secure three points, despite one eye being on Real Madrid. The visitors are expected to rely on veteran striker Ayoub El Kaabi to exploit the home side’s high defensive line.