The Blaugrana reserve team will look to end a six-match streak of draws and secure a victory.
Just four days after the ball rolled in their postponed match against Real Sociedad B, Estadi Johan Cruyff will once again host a Barça Atlètic encounter. The Blaugrana reserves will welcome Lugo this Sunday at 17:00 in a match corresponding to the 12th round of Group 1 of the Primera RFEF.
The Catalan side needs to return to winning ways. Albert Sánchez’s team is currently on a run of six consecutive draws: Tarazona (0-0), Sestao (2-2), Ponferradina (1-1), Barakaldo (2-2), Gimnástica Segoviana (2-2), and Real Sociedad B (1-1). The last match allowed the Catalan team to secure a point that lifted them out of the relegation zone, bringing their points tally to thirteen.
Indeed, the team managed by Albert Sánchez is approaching two months unbeaten. Their last defeat was on September 15 against Unionistas away (2-1), but the last victory dates back to September 21 against Zamora (1-0), highlighted by a solitary goal from Óscar Ureña.
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While waiting for the call-ups of both the first team and the reserve team, which will be announced on Sunday, up to three Barça Atlètic players received calls from Hansi Flick to bolster the first team: Andrés Cuenca, Unai Hernández, and Noah Darvich.
Of these three players, the central defender has the highest chance of being included in the first team squad, given that Pau Cubarsí trained with a protective mask after receiving nine stitches in his cheek against Red Star in the Champions League. The German coach intends to have him travel to Reale Arena; however, he may not play any minutes, hence the hypothetical inclusion of Andrés Cuenca to reinforce the backline.
The inclusion of Unai and Darvich is due to Dani Olmo’s absence from Saturday morning’s training session due to gastroenteritis, while Lamine Yamal underwent specific strength training in the gym. Although both are expected to be available for the match in Donosti, both reserve players are likely to stay with Albert Sánchez and start at Johan Cruyff.
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On the other hand, forward Òscar Gistau, who made his debut against Barakaldo by playing the last 18 minutes after replacing Iván Cédric, is expected to reinforce the reserves again. However, Alexis Olmedo remains doubtful after suffering an injury in the league match against Real Sociedad B on Wednesday.
As for Lugo, they are also immersed in a very good run of results, allowing them to sit comfortably in the upper part of the table, flirting with playoff positions for promotion to the Second Division.
The Galician side is unbeaten in six consecutive matches, with their last three counted as victories: Celta de Vigo B (1-0), Osasuna B (0-1), and Athletic Club B (1-0), making the match against Barça their fourth consecutive fixture against a reserve team.
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The Barça Atlètic coach analyzed the upcoming match against Lugo in the club’s official media: “We approach the match with a strong desire to finally achieve the victory that this team deserves. The team is positive, motivated, and eager to secure the win. Lugo feels very comfortable with a 0-0 scoreline, they are very experienced, defend very well, and are strong in transition. They know how they want to play, and they are clear about their attacking game. We will have to be at our best level from minute one to go for the win.”
The match between Barça Atlètic and Lugo will take place on Sunday, November 10, at 17:00 at Estadi Johan Cruyff. It will be broadcast on the Esport3 channel and the Barça One and FEF TV platforms.
Abraham Domínguez Cervantes will be the referee in charge of officiating the match.
Barça Athletic Lineup: Kochen; Trilli, Mbacke, Álvaro Cortés, Oduro; Pau Prim, Guille Fernández, Unai Hernández; Rubén López, Cédric, and Darvich.
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Lugo Lineup: Lavin; Zoil, Nicholas, Rodriguez, Lizancos; Cape, Martinez, Yayo, Gonzalez; Lesme, and Hernandez.
