Return to Camp Nou: Can Flick’s "New Formula" Silence the Alavés Threat?
Date: November 28, 2025
If Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge was a cold shower, tomorrow needs to be the warm towel. The 3-0 defeat to Chelsea didn't just hurt the scorecard; it bruised the ego. But the beauty of football is that it always gives you a chance for redemption.
Tomorrow, we are back on hallowed ground. The Spotify Camp Nou will host a crucial La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés, and the objective is simple: Stop the bleeding.
Hansi Flick faced the press today, and while the mood was serious, the message was clear: We move forward. But we aren't moving forward with the same XI. Between forced absences and tactical tweaks, the team sheet against Alavés is going to look very different from the one that collapsed in London.
The shadow of the Chelsea match still looms large over the defense. Ronald Araujo hasn't played a minute since that nightmare red card at Stamford Bridge, and he won't be suiting up tomorrow either.
While his Champions League suspension doesn't apply to La Liga, bad luck has struck the Uruguayan again. Flick confirmed that Araujo is suffering from stomach problems, ruling him out completely. It feels like the universe is conspiring to keep our best defender off the pitch right now.
With Araujo out, the responsibility falls on Andreas Christensen. The Dane is expected to partner with the youngster Pau Cubarsí. Christensen brings a calm head and excellent ball-playing ability, which—let’s be honest—we desperately missed when things got chaotic in London.
Pedri Returns... But Don't Get Too Excited Yet
Pedri has received the medical green light, which is music to every Cule’s ears. However, Hansi Flick was quick to manage expectations during his press conference.
"Pedri is back and could get some minutes, but he won't start," the coach confirmed.
After coming back from injury, throwing him into the starting lineup would be reckless. Expect to see him for the final 20-30 minutes to bring control if we are winning, or creativity if we are chasing a goal. We need him healthy for the long run, not just for tomorrow.
The biggest talking point among the fanbase—and something we at BenFooty have been suggesting—is the Right-Back situation.
Eric García is heavily tipped to start on the right. Why? Because Jules Koundé looks exhausted. The Frenchman has played massive minutes, and his performance against Chelsea showed signs of fatigue. Eric offers a different profile; he is defensively disciplined and tucks into midfield naturally, which could give us numerical superiority in the center of the park. It also sends a message: nobody’s spot is safe if performance drops.
Do not take this game lightly. Alavés are not coming to the Camp Nou for a holiday.
Reports from the Alavés camp are worrying. One of their players was quoted yesterday stating that they "know Barça's weaknesses now" and they intend to hurt us with them. It’s not hard to guess what they mean: The High Line.
After watching Chelsea dismantle our offside trap with pace, Alavés will likely instruct their forwards to sit on the shoulder of the last defender and wait for the long ball. If our press isn't perfect tomorrow, we could be in for another nervy afternoon.
Projected Starting XI
Based on Flick’s comments and the need for fresh energy, here is how we expect the Blaugrana to line up:
- GK: Joan García
- DEF: Balde, Cubarsí, Christensen, Eric García
- MID: De Jong, Casadó, Olmo
- FWD: Rashford, Lewandowski, Yamal
This lineup gives us technical security in the middle with De Jong and Casadó, while resting Koundé and protecting Pedri.
We need three points. It’s not about playing "champagne football" tomorrow; it’s about restoring order. We need the Camp Nou roaring, a clean sheet, and a reaction from the players.
Alavés think they have the blueprint to beat us. It’s up to Hansi Flick to prove that the Chelsea game was just a glitch in the system, not a fatal error.
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