FC Barcelona hosts Stade Brestois this Tuesday, November 26 at 9:00 p.m., in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. This match counts for the 5th day of the group stage of the Champions League. Find all the essential information here: the probable line-ups, the TV channel and the challenges of this decisive meeting.
Barcelona – Brest: the stakes of the match
The duel between Barcelona and Brest promises to be crucial for both teams, although their objectives differ. FC Barcelona is aiming for a victory to consolidate its place in the group and move closer to the top of the standings. The Blaugrana, who have had three impressive successes against Young Boys (5-0), Bayern Munich (4-1) and Red Star Belgrade (5-2), want to continue their momentum and prepare the best for the round of 16. In the league, Barça dominates La Liga despite a recent poor performance against Real Sociedad (1-0 defeat).
For its part, Stade Brestois is the surprise of this group stage. Expected to be in difficulty in this competition, the Breton club defied all predictions by collecting 10 points in 4 matches, thanks to victories against Sturm Graz, Salzburg and Sparta Prague. A historic qualification for the round of 16 is within reach. However, Eric Roy's team approaches this European shock in a less favorable dynamic, with three consecutive defeats in Ligue 1 against Nice, Montpellier and Monaco.
The forms of the teams
FC Barcelona, after an initial misstep against Monaco (2-1 defeat), righted the way with resounding victories in the Champions League. In the league, the team coached by Hansi Flick retains the lead in La Liga, even if its lead over Real Madrid was reduced to four points after a frustrating draw in Vigo (2-2). With Robert Lewandowski in great form, scorer of 19 goals in all competitions this season, the Catalans have solid arguments to continue their domination.
Stade Brestois surprises on the European scene. Thanks to defensive solidarity and offensive efficiency, the Bretons won against opponents deemed to be more experienced. However, their league form is worrying. With three consecutive defeats, Brest seems to be struggling to maintain its level in both competitions. Key absences, notably that of Pierre Lees-Melou, could weigh heavily against an opponent of Barça's caliber.
The different absences
FC Barcelona will have to cope without several key players. The starting goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is injured and will be replaced by Iñaki Peña. In defense, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are also unavailable, while the young Lamine Yamal, revelation of the season, is out of this meeting. On the other hand, Robert Lewandowski is operational and has already scored in the last match against Vigo, confirming his return to form.
For Brest, the absence of Pierre Lees-Melou is a real blow. Injured in the fibula, the former Nice player will be absent until 2025. In addition, Locko and Zogbé, not registered in the Champions League, will not be able to participate in this match. However, striker Sima, author of three goals in the Champions League, should hold his place.
The probable compositions of Barcelona – Brest
- The probable composition of FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Peña – Kound, Cubarsi, Martinez, Baldé – Pedri, Casado – Elm, Gavi, Raphinha – Lewandowski.
Absent: ter Stegen, Christensen, Bernal, Yamal (injured), Araujo (return).
- The probable composition of Brest (4-3-3): Bizot – Lala, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Haïdara – Fernandes, Magnetti, Camara – Del Castillo, Ajorque, Sima.
Absent: Locko, Zogbé (not registered), Lees-Melou (injured).
At what time and on which channel to watch Barcelona – Brest?
The Barcelona – Brest match will be followed this Tuesday, November 26 from 21h00. The meeting will be broadcast live on Canal + Sportt. The complete TV program of the day can be found here.
Key points of the match
- Barcelona remains on three convincing victories in the Champions League.
- Brest has had a remarkable start to the European campaign, but the absence of Lees-Melou is a real blow.
- Robert Lewandowski, in great form, will be one of the players to watch in this meeting.
- Brest will have to regain its defensive solidity to hope to counter a Catalan team with full confidence.
