Barcelona step onto the field this Tuesday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys under pressure and searching for redemption. The clash against Olympiacos, in the third round of the Champions League group stage, comes at a tricky time. Hansi Flick’s side is trying to bounce back after a home loss to PSG and a heavy defeat to Sevilla in La Liga. The last-minute win over Girona last weekend brought some relief, but not enough. Fans are demanding an immediate response before the upcoming showdown with Real Madrid.
Barcelona trying to rediscover confidence and rhythm
The medical room remains crowded, limiting Flick’s options as he continues to look for consistency. Despite the absences, Barcelona will have to rely on the talent of Lamine Yamal, who’s back from injury and seen as the spark to revive the team’s attacking play. His return couldn’t come at a better time, as Barça need creativity and pace to break down compact defenses.
Their recent European record, however, is a warning sign. After losing to PSG, Barcelona face a historic risk, dropping more than one home match in the Champions League group stage for the first time ever. They’ll try to avoid that scenario against an opponent in poor form and still without a win in the competition. On the bright side, Barça have a perfect home record against Greek clubs, and Flick himself has already beaten Olympiacos in his career.
Olympiacos chasing recovery and an end to a painful streak
On the other side, Olympiacos are desperate to find their way back to winning form. The Greek club started the season strong but lost momentum in recent weeks. Back-to-back defeats, one to Arsenal in the Champions League and another to PAOK in the domestic league, triggered alarms. The team currently sits 29th in the standings and finds itself in a tough spot, still without a single goal in the tournament.
Olympiacos are also trying to end a frustrating run of 11 straight defeats in this stage of the Champions League. The challenge, though, couldn’t be tougher. The club has never won away from home against Spanish opposition in European competitions. In 16 matches so far, they’ve lost 14 and drawn only twice, both against Deportivo La Coruña, roughly two decades ago.