Barcelona try to increase their lead on the high 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 stated 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Flick chosen Inigo Martinez within the 3-0 win over Osasuna in LaLiga on Thursday, after the Spanish defender had withdrawn injured from the nationwide workforce squad for his or her latest Nations League matches.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 concerning 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 instructed a information convention on Saturday, a day earlier than leaders Barcelona host Girona in LaLiga.
“The opposite factor is just not in my fingers, it’s not about me.”
FIFA guidelines state that gamers can not seem for his or her golf equipment inside 5 days of the final nationwide workforce match, if they didn’t be 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 facet desirous to play it this week however each having appeals in opposition to it rejected.
The Pichichi hones his abilities. ☄️ 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 as an alternative.
The Polish veteran has 23 objectives in LaLiga, main the scoring charts, often known as the Pichichi, forward of Actual Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe on 22.
“Lewandowski is concentrated on the success of the workforce, not simply successful the Pichichi,” stated Flick.
“After all, he needs to attain objectives, he needs to play, however he additionally sees what the workforce wants.
“This makes me actually proud, concerning the behaviour of Lewy, and it was a extremely nice scenario, an amazing second and every thing went the appropriate manner 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 stated 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 recuperate. It’ll undoubtedly be an amazing problem that awaits us from now till the top of the season,” Flick instructed reporters.
“We’re prepared and need to battle till the top 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 purpose distinction.
Barcelona workforce 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 downside.
Girona workforce 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
