FC Barcelona Preparations
Barcelona may seem flawless in the early season, yet their journey has been rocky at times. For instance, they needed to overcome a two-goal deficit against newly-promoted Levante in their recent match to clinch a victory.
Key Match Details
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 31
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain
- Live Stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Rayo Vallecano +600; Draw +430; Barcelona -300
The team’s attacking style comes into play as their shots can originate from virtually any position, making their gameplay exhilarating. Notably, Lamine Yamal forced an own goal in their last win but has also taken 17 shots this season, with 12 from outside the box. Though spectacular, such a strategy opens the door for potential counterattacks if these shots don’t convert to goals.
Defensive Concerns
Barcelona’s defensive frailties were exposed last season, raising concerns about possible repeats this year. Joan Garcia has shown improvement with four saves in two matches, yet he might be overwhelmed by the pressure caused by a porous defense in front of him.
For Barcelona to defend their title, they need a balanced attack that also solidifies their defense to meet challenges from contenders like Real Madrid. If their current strategy persists without effective adaptations, it could jeopardize their standing in La Liga as any loss could be pivotal.
