Sun Nov 03 15:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Barcelona Focuses on La Liga Derby, Leaving Champions League in the Backseat
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has his sights set firmly on the La Liga derby against Espanyol, putting the Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday on the back burner.
The German tactician has opted for a near-identical starting lineup to the one that faced Real Madrid in the recent El Clasico, with just two changes. Héctor Fort and Olmo replace Koundé and Fermín in the squad, setting a new record with seven academy players in the starting eleven.
The lineup features Iñaki Peña in goal, with Fort, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martinez, and Balde forming the backline. Casadó and Pedri will anchor the midfield, while Lamine, Olmo, and Raphinha will provide support for striker Lewandowski.
The starting eleven includes seven La Masia products: Iñaki Peña, Fort, Cubarsí, Balde, Casadó, Lamine, and Olmo. This surpasses the previous record of six academy players in the starting lineup, which was achieved in the recent matches against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Alavés, and Sevilla.
Flick has opted for a familiar defensive setup, with the only change being Fort replacing Koundé at right-back. Balde remains at left-back, and the central defensive partnership of Cubarsí and Iñigo Martinez is retained.
Pedri once again features in the midfield alongside Casadó, with the attacking trio consisting of Lamine on the right, Olmo in the hole, and Raphinha on the left.
With the focus firmly on securing a victory in the La Liga derby, Barcelona will look to build momentum before turning their attention to the Champions League challenge against Red Star Belgrade later in the week.
First Piper 