"We should cook with this", "5-0 or nothing" - Fans react as Barcelona name 'strongest XI' to face Dortmund in UCL clash
Barcelona fans online expressed their excitement about the club's starting XI to face Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, December 11. Hansi Flick has stuck to a 4-2-3-1 formation with his strongest players making it to the starting XI.
The starting XI features Inaki Pena in goal, with Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde forming the backline. Pedri and Marc Casado form a double pivot. Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal form the attacking line-up with Robert Lewandowski leading the line.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to Barcelona's starting XI, with most satisfied with Flick's decision. One Culer called the line-up their strongest XI and wrote:
"5-0 or nothing," a fan exclaimed.
"Yes. Nice starting 11. We should cook with this," another user opined.
"Probably the best 11 we’ve got rn. Hope they lock in during the match and give a great football game. Let’s go Barça !!!," another Cule remarked.
"Barca is coming with its best, Great combination," a fan chimed in.
"I'm happy with this XI," another fan commented.
"Big test against Champions league finalist we have to show up what we can do let's go Team," a user cheered.
Barcelona are currently sixth in the UEFA Champions League table with 12 points from five games. A victory today would further solidify their place among the top eight, who will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
Ronald Araujo back in squad for Barcelona's UEFA Champions League clash vs. Borussia Dortmund
After a long injury recovery, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been included in the squad to face Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Araujo has been out of action since July 2024 owing to a hamstring injury. The Uruguayan defender has not played a game for the Catalans this season.
It remains to be seen whether Flick subs on Araujo against Dortmund, but his inclusion in the squad is a major boost for Barcelona, especially after their recent setback in LaLiga. La Blaugrana have won only one of their last five LaLiga games.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Dortmund clash, Hansi Flick spoke about Ronald Araujo's return and said (via Barcelona's official website):
“We are very happy that Ronald is back. He's a player you enjoy seeing in training sessions, he gives his all, and passes that energy on to his teammates. It's important that we don't run any risk with him."
Araujo is also one of the Blaugrana captains and is known for his leadership qualities on the pitch. To celebrate his return, Barca's official social media handles shared an image of his number four shirt with the captain's armband ahead of the Dortmund clash.