It was a huge version from Barcelona to beat Benfica with 1-0 in the first stage of their Champions League round of 16 draw, especially given that Hansi Flick's side was forced to play with 10 men after Pau Cubarsi Red asked for a final man challenge on Upgelis Pavlidis.
Raphinha's second half strike ensured that Barcelona will start with an advantage of one goal for Tuesday's return bone in the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Company, although the performance in Lisbon did not come without sacrifices. Alejandro Balke sustained an ankle injury during the game, for which he has to undergo medical tests, and now Marca has reported that two more players have ended the meeting in the Estadio Da Luz with physical problems.
During the first half, Inigo Martinez suffered a stamp against his leg-thie, and that is why the veteran defender was cooled yellow by referee Felix Zwayer for complaining. He still suffers from the post-effects thereof, and he could be equipped against Osasuna on Saturday to ensure that he is 100% for the second stage.
The report stated that Pedri also suffered from muscular discomfort, and he is another one that is not expected to be risked against Osasuna. Hansi Flick will probably make significant changes to the La Liga meeting in the Estadi Olimpic, with Marc Casado, Eric García, Gerard Martín, Gavi and Ferran Torres who are included in Los Rojillos in the starting line-up.
Lomen like this are the reason that teams like Barcelona have a large team of the first team. Flick will be determined to have his “Gala XI”, Cubarsi aside, ready to start the second stage against Atalanta, and as a result, many players can get the weekend free of play.
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