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Araujo's return, Balde's 100, and Barca without a coach
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 15.12.24. | 18:00
The Catalans aim to exploit Real Madrid's shocking 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano and increase the gap to four points with the convalescent Araujo but without suspended Flick
Only one triumph in the previous five La Liga clashes did not deprive Barcelona of the top spot. Barca's thanks go to Vallecas and Rayo Vallecano, which salvaged a 3-3 draw against Real Madrid last night and prevented Los Blancos from taking over the top of the table.
Tonight against Leganes (23.00), Hansi Flick's boys will have a chance to increase the gap to four points in case of a win. Yet, the Catalans will be without their manager on the bench, as the German serves a two-game suspension for the dismissal against Betis eight days ago.
Although he accepted the repercussions, Flick had a piece of advice for the refs.
"We have to accept it. And I have to accept the red card. I feel bad, but this is a different league that I wasn't used to. I've already been red carded in two games. I accept it and I have to work on my behaviour a little. I'm just saying that the referees should decide the same in all the games, on the other benches. Not just with Barca," said the strategist on the pre-match press conference via Marca.
🎙️ HANSI FLICK: “It's tough, but I accept my suspension. We're all human and everyone makes mistakes. I have to control my emotions.” #BarçaLeganés pic.twitter.com/q6WV1eLFWt
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 14, 2024
More than five months after he suffered an injury representing Uruguay at Copa America, Ronald Araujo is back in the squad for a La Liga match. However, more than his return, the 25-year-old's contract extension is the topic in Spain. Araujo's deal with Barcelona expires in June 2026, but Bayern Munich's alleged interest has put the defender in a dilemma.
🚨🎖️| The club believe Araujo's agents are pressuring the player to not renew the contract, but the Uruguayan is excited about the project and the club wants him to take a step forward and impose the opinion on his agents while also returning to the pitch. [@ffpolo] #fcblive 🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/DdXYKO8uTW
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) December 15, 2024
Unlike the centre-back, Ansu Fati is not yet ready to come back after a muscle injury and will be out of the squad for the Leganes clash. Finally, should he start tonight as expected, Alejandro Balde will celebrate a jubilee - his 100th appearance for the club from Camp Nou.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 17
Friday
Valladolid - Valencia 1-0 (1-0)
/Anuar 20/
Saturday
Espanyol - Osasuna 0-0
Mallorca - Girona 2-1 (1-1)
/Larin 20,51 - Van de Beek 7/
Sevilla - Celta 1-0 (0-0)
/Bueno 65/
Rayo Vallecano - Real Madrid 3-3 (2-2)
/Lopez 4, Mumin 36, Palazon 64 - Valverde 39, Bellingham 45, Rodrygo 56/
Sunday
Atl.Madrid - Getafe 1-0 (0-0)
/Sorloth 69/
18:15: (3.50) Alaves (3.20) Ath.Bilbao (2.20)
20:30: (1.42) Sociedad (4.30) Las Palmas (8.50)
20:30: (1.85) Villareal (3.70) Betis (4.70)
23:00: (1.15) Barcelona (8.00) Leganes (16.0)
***odds are subject to change***
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