Barcelona begin their tenancy on the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic, the membership’s short-term house whereas Camp Nou is being rebuilt, on Sunday towards Cadiz with out coach Xavi Hernandez after his crimson card within the season opener.
The Spanish champions staggered to a 0-0 attract a bad-tempered conflict at Getafe final weekend, with Brazilian winger Raphinha despatched off for an elbow within the first half earlier than Xavi noticed crimson for his touchline protests.
The pair obtained two-match bans and can subsequently additionally miss the journey to Villarreal on August 27, however Xavi is assured his workforce will shake off a gradual begin in addition to his upcoming absence.
“There’s no must get too labored up about it. We began final season badly too however issues labored out ultimately,” he said after his side started their campaign with a goalless draw, just like last season.
“Now I’m interested in improving the play and the result. A point for us is not sufficient but this was a very difficult game for us to play.”
Barcelona excelled at house final time period, conceding a mere 4 objectives in 19 outings at Camp Nou, two of which got here of their lone defeat — a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad with the title already received.
But they’ve needed to relocate whereas their iconic floor undergoes an enormous redevelopment anticipated to be accomplished by 2026. Barcelona are because of return to a Camp Nou not but at full capability late subsequent yr.
Situated on a big hill within the metropolis, the Montjuic venue hosted the 1992 Olympics and previously served as the house of native rivals Espanyol from 1997 to 2009.
It is a significantly smaller venue than Camp Nou, accommodating slightly below 50,000 spectators — half that of Barcelona’s stadium — however is notable for being the place Lionel Messi made his skilled debut in 2004.
Bellingham turning heads
How they fare at their house away from house will largely decide their success as they play catch-up from the outset with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid a glimpse of his prodigious expertise, scoring on his debut in a 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao and incomes reward from coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“He’s excellent. He has loads of persona and has tailored in a short time to the workforce’s system,” said the Italian.
“It seems like he’s been with us for a long time and he’s a very talented player.”
Another debut might be handed to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for Saturday’s journey to Almeria following his arrival on a season-long mortgage from Chelsea.
The 28-year-old Spain worldwide was introduced in as cowl for the injured Thibaut Courtois, who was changed by Ukrainian Andriy Lunin at San Mames.
“I’m coming right here extra mature and in among the finest durations of my sporting profession after an incredible yr. I’m prepared for the problem,” said Kepa, who was close to signing for Madrid in 2018.
Madrid have also lost centre-back Eder Militao to a cruciate ligament injury, although they appear less likely to return to the transfer market to compensate for the Brazilian’s lengthy lay-off.
Atletico top the table after Monday’s 3-1 win over Granada, but Diego Simeone is set to be without his captain Koke for their visit to Real Betis because of a hamstring problem.
Sevilla, beaten at home by Valencia to start the campaign, will look to bounce back from Wednesday’s UEFA Super loss to Manchester City on penalties at promoted Alaves.
Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez is also hoping to fare better against Real Sociedad on Saturday after losing his first game in charge of Celta Vigo.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
Friday: Mallorca v Villarreal (1730), Valencia v Las Palmas (1930)
Saturday: Real Sociedad v Celta Vigo (1500), Almeria v Real Madrid (1730), Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao (1930)
Sunday: Girona v Getafe (1530), Barcelona v Cadiz (1730), Real Betis v Atletico Madrid (1930)
Monday: Alaves v Sevilla (1700), Granada v Rayo Vallecano (1930)
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated news company feed – AFP)
Source: www.news18.com
