Barcelona try to increase their lead on the prime 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 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Flick chosen Inigo Martinez within the 3-0 win over Osasuna in LaLiga on Thursday, after the Spanish defender had withdrawn injured from the nationwide staff squad for his or her current Nations League matches.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 concerning gamers who haven’t joined up with their nationwide groups when known as on.
“We gained three factors and that is my focus, so I’m specializing in the subsequent match towards 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 palms, 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 staff match, if they didn’t be a 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 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 concentrated on the success of the staff, not simply successful the Pichichi,” stated Flick.
“In fact, he desires to attain objectives, he desires to play, however he additionally sees what the staff wants.
“This makes me actually proud, in regards to the behaviour of Lewy, and it was a extremely nice scenario, an important second and all the pieces went the appropriate means towards Osasuna, so it’s one thing I actually respect.”
🌎 Worldwide begin occasions 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 subsequent 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 recuperate. It should undoubtedly be an important 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 pleased 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 aim distinction.
Barcelona staff 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 staff 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
