"Barcelona secured a top-eight UEFA Champions League finish with their midweek win over FC Copenhagen, and thereby reduced the strain of playing two additional games in the month ahead. However, they do not face any immediate respite on their schedule as they return to action in La Liga less than 72 hours after their last game - this time against Elche at Estadio Martinez Valero."
"If there was one factor complicating Barcelona's clash against FC Copenhagen midweek, it was the team's situation in midfield with both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong out. In fact, the lack of a natural central midfielder even saw them suffer in the first half of the game with a lack of complete control, and only Marc Bernal's introduction after the break helped regain the cohesive feeling on the field."
Barcelona secured Champions League progress, easing fixture strain, but return to La Liga within 72 hours to face Elche at Estadio Martinez Valero. A recent loss to Real Sociedad allowed Real Madrid to close to one point, and a subsequent win over Real Oviedo lacked convincing form. Elche pose a danger after taking points from Real Madrid earlier in the season. Midfield absences of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong caused control issues, with Marc Bernal improving cohesion after halftime. De Jong returns from suspension to resume a central, tempo-setting role while options remain for the second pivot.
Read at Barca Universal
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