Xavi Hernández liked Barcelona’s performance against Betis. Not only because of the 5 goals, but also because of the play displayed, the intensity seen and maintained throughout much of the match. He was also satisfied with the debut of Cancelo and João Félix as starters. The two Portuguese, who debuted as scorers in that match, remain in the lineup for Barça’s debut in the Champions League 23-24.
The coach opted to give Oriol Romeu a rest at the start against Amberes, who had five straight starts in the League. The midfielder will be Frenkie de Jong, who will be accompanied at the back by Gavi and Gündogan.
In attack, Lewandowski is a fixture, while the right wing position is occupied by Raphinha, who until now had only started in Getafe on August 13, when he was sent off. The presence of the Brazilian means that Lamine Yamal remains on the bench waiting for his debut in the Champions League.
In defense, Koundé consolidates himself as a key piece in the axis of the defense. The Frenchman has been the right-handed center back in all 6 matches this season, all to date.
Against the Belgian champions, Barcelona will play with Ter Stegen, Cancelo, Koundé, Christensen, Balde, De Jong, Gavi, Raphinha, João Felix and Lewandowski.
Mark van Bommel, in his own right, has been a favorite once in a while against the Barça: Butez, Bataille, Alderweireld, Coulibaly, Winjdal, Keita, Vermeeren, Muja, Ekkelenkamp, ??Balikwisha and Janssen.
