Rabat – Barcelona host Olympiacos today in their third UEFA Champions League group-stage game.
The Catalans currently have 3 points from two matches. After losing a 2-1 to PSG, it is a must-win game for Barcelona to stay in the race to qualify directly to the knockout stages.
Olympiacos has just 1 point after a 0-0 draw with Pafos and a 2-0 loss against Arsenal. Moroccan striker Ayoub al Kaabi is expected to lead Olympiacos’ attack after scoring two goals in the last match in the league
Match Details:
- Fixture: Barcelona vs Olympiacos
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (Group Stage, Matchday 3)
- Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Barcelona)
- Date: Tuesday, October 21
- Kick-off: 5:45 p.m. (GMT+1)
- How to Watch: beIN Sports 1 (MENA), Paramount+, Movistar+
Barcelona Team News
Barça boss Hansi Flick is missing several starters:
Striker Robert Lewandowski (hamstring),
Midfielders Dani Olmo (calf) and Gavi (knee),
Goalkeeper Joan García and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen are both sidelined
Wingers Raphinha and Ferran Torres (both hamstring)
Expected features:
Lamine Yamal has returned from a groin injury and is expected to start today’s match.
Flick may rotate in midfield ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico, but key starters like Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and defender Ronald Araújo are expected to play.
Olympiacos Team News
Olympiacos has no new injuries:
Right-back Rodinei (knee) and winger Gabriel Strefezza are still out. Captain Djene Dakonam might return after resting.
Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi will lead the attack. He scored twice in the first half against AEL Larissa and was the top scorer in last season’s Conference and Europa League. He’ll be key to breaking Barcelona’s defense.
Chiquinho and Fabio Vieira will support him from the wings, and Giorgos Giakoumakis could also feature in attack.
What to Expect
Barcelona will try to control the match with possession and pressing. With home support at Lluís Companys, they’re expected to attack early, using fast wingers like Lamine Yamal and Rashford to stretch Olympiacos’ defense.
Hansi Flick’s team relies on quick passing and movement, especially in the opening minutes.
Olympiacos, coached by José Mendilibar, will defend deep and look to counter. Mendilibar is known for compact setups and fast transitions. His team will try to block the midfield and strike on turnovers or set pieces.
Barcelona have a strong record against Greek teams at home 7 wins from 7. Olympiacos have only won once in Spain.
Barcelona’s recent form is mixed they lost to PSG and Sevilla, followed by a late win over Girona. Olympiacos also struggled in Europe, drawing 0–0 with Pafos and losing 2–0 to Arsenal, but beat Larissa 2–0 with two goals from El Kaabi.
Safe Bets
- Both Teams to Score: Yes.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Likely. Ten of Barcelona’s last eleven games had at least three goals.
- Lamine Yamal to Score or Assist: Yes. He’s Barcelona’s most dangerous winger. Ayoub El Kaabi is also a strong goal threat after scoring twice in his last match.
- Barcelona to Win: Yes. They’re the favorites at home and have never lost to a Greek team in Europe. However, they need the points to stay in the race.
Final score: Barcelona 4-1 Olympiacos
