Barcelona vs. Young Boys: The Must-Win Champions League Game for Hansi Flick's Side
After a disappointing defeat to Osasuna ended their perfect start to the La Liga season, Barça are gearing up for a crucial Champions League match against Swiss champions Young Boys at the Montjuïc.
Tuesday's game marks Barça’s second match in the new League Phase format of the competition, where picking up points early is crucial to avoid slipping into a more congested fixture schedule later in the season.
The Pressure is On
Barcelona’s 3-1 opening loss away to Monaco has already made their path to the Top 8 in the Champions League more challenging. A failure to secure a win against Young Boys could set them on a rocky course, with tougher fixtures against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund looming. Given Barcelona's depth issues, avoiding the extra playoff matches that the 9th-24th placed teams must endure is paramount.
Despite a frustrating 4-2 loss against Osasuna in the weekend, Hansi Flick's side are heavy favourites in this matchup, with Young Boys struggling both domestically and in Europe. Sitting second-last in the Swiss Super League with one win in eight matches, the Swiss champions have shown poor form defensively, shipping goals at an alarming rate. Aston Villa’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over them in the Champions League opener also exposed Young Boys’ weaknesses at the back offering clear opportunities for Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha to exploit.
Frenkie de Jong's Return: A Timely Boost
The potential return of Frenkie de Jong is also very welcome news for Hansi Flick and Barcelona. After more than five months on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, the Dutch midfielder is set to make his return, likely playing a few minutes in the second half.
Flick has emphasised the importance of having De Jong back, especially given the absences of midfielders Dani Olmo, Gavi, Fermin López and Andreas Christensen who has also filled the defensive midfield slot. Not to mention Barca’s captains Marc-André ter Stegen and Ronald Araújo who are also absent due to injury.
As the third captain, De Jong’s leadership on the field will be crucial and welcomed by the German coach. De Jong’s versatility in midfield could provide the creativity and control that Barcelona seemed to lack against Osasuna, a game where Flick’s squad rotation was heavily criticised but which he took full responsibility for following the game.
In his absence, players like Pedri, Marc Casadó and Pablo Torre have shouldered much of the midfield responsibility. With Eric García suspended following his red card against Monaco, Pablo Torre is expected to feature in a more attack-minded role. De Jong’s return not only adds experience and quality but also eases the workload on the younger midfielders as he integrates back into Flick's high-tempo, possession-based system.
Barcelona's Lineup and Tactical Approach
Flick’s decision to rest key players like Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha in the defeat to Osasuna gives a clear indication that a full-strength lineup is on the cards against Young Boys. Expect a 4-3-3 setup, with Balde returning to the left side of the defence with Koundé bringing stability on the right-back. Pau Cubarsí, who struggled out of position on the left side in Pamplona, will likely revert to his preferred right-center-back role alongside Iñigo Martínez.
In midfield, Casadó’s ball retention and ability to break lines will be vital, allowing Pedri and Torre to focus on creating opportunities higher up the pitch. Up front, the rested duo of Yamal and Raphinha will flank Robert Lewandowski, who will be looking to capitalise on a Young Boys defence that has been porous all season. The expectation is for Barcelona to press high, dominate possession, and create plenty of chances.
Young Boys' Struggles and Strategy
Young Boys arrive to Barcelona under immense pressure. With their coach on the brink, according to former Swiss league player Jordi Quintillà, they are considered the weakest Young Boys team in a decade. While they’ll look to defend deep and strike on the counter with their quick forwards, their defensive frailties have been evident throughout their domestic and European campaigns.
Swiss manager Patrick Rahmen has ruled out man-to-man marking, opting for a compact team approach to try and contain Barcelona’s attack, particularly Lamine Yamal, who is only getting better game by game. However, even with such tactics, Young Boys face a daunting task against a Barça side desperate for a victory.
Key Points
Barcelona enter this game not only as favourites but with the expectation of a comprehensive win. A controlled, dominant performance is needed to regain momentum in both Europe and domestically and to ease the pressure lying on Hansi Flick’s shoulders. Anything less than three points and Flick will feel the full force of the ruthless Spanish media.
Given Young Boys' defensive vulnerabilities and lack of form, 3 points is also to be expected for the Blaugrana, with Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha expected to find space and create plenty of chances.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3):
Peña; Kounde, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde; Torre, Casadó, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Young Boys (4-5-1):
Von Ballmoos; Athekame, Camara, Zoukrou, Hadjam; Males, Lauper, Ugrinic, Niasse, Monteiro; Ganvoula
A victory for Barça would not only secure much-needed points in their Champions League campaign but also reestablish confidence after the defeat to Osasuna. For Flick, it's about restoring Barcelona's status in Europe, one step at a time, and Tuesday’s clash against Young Boys is the perfect opportunity to start.