Barcelona will host Cadiz on Monday night after a shocking defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou in Uefa Europa League Quarter Final.
The defeat against the German club was the most embarrassing one in Barca’s history. Result aside, this occasion will be a taint forever. And this time the fingers cannot solely be pointed at the players, the game was practically over the moment white shirts flooded the Camp Nou stands, and on top of that poor referring and missed chances proved to be the last nails in the coffin of Barca’s European adventure for this season.
Despite the embarrassment, it’s not the time to draw reactionary conclusions. Xavi’s progress cannot be undermined by one disappointing defeat and it should not lower the excitement for the future.
The qualification for the next year’s Champions League is now the only objective for this season. Barca will resume their journey in the domestic league as they welcome Cadiz at Camp Nou on Monday night. Cadiz could be a tricky opponent for the Catalans despite being on the verge of relegation and Barca cannot afford to be complacent at this point of the season. Barca’s performance in their last league game against Levante was not up to the mark but they somehow managed to win the match in the final moments of the game courtesy of Luuk de Jong’s header. Hoping for a stronger and more resilient performance against Cadiz.
Pedri’s season is over after his unfortunate injury and he will not be available for the rest of the season. Gavi is expected to start alongside Frenkie and Busquets in the middle of the park.
Ronald Araujo is suspended for this match due to the accumulation of five yellow cards and Gerad Pique hasn’t got the medical green light to play. Eric Garcia who has given away two back-to-back penalties in his last two appearances is expected to start alongside Clement Lenglet in the center of defense.
Fc Barcelona vs Cadiz CF
Competition: La Liga
Match Day: 32
Venue: Camp Nou
Fc Barcelona:
Last 5 Games (All competitions): L-W-D-W-W
Current Standing: 2nd in La Liga
Cadiz CF:
Last 5 Games (All competitions): L-D-W-L-W
Current Standing: 18th in La Liga
Date and Time: Monday, April 18th, 2022, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Tuesday), 12;00am PST (Pak, Tuesday)
How to watch on Tv: Not Available (USA), TSN 4 (Canada), LaLigaTV (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), MTV (India), Geo Super (Pakistan), Movistar Liga de Campeones (Spain)
How to watch online: ESPN + (USA), (USA), LaLigaTV (UK)
The expected Line-up
Fc Barcelona
Formation: 4-3-3
Goal Keeper: Ter Stegen
Defenders: Dani, Eric, Lenglet, Alba
Midfielders: Gavi, Busquets, Frenkie
Forwards: Dembele, Aubameyang, Ferran