Barcelona vs Feyenoord: Eric Garcia Misses UCL Opener

BarcelonaBAR

Raphael Dias Belloli 3', 57'
Karim Adeyemi 22'
Lamine Yamal 77'
Gabriel Jesus 85'

UEFA Champions League

5–1

Full Time

HT 2–0

Spotify Camp Nou

Barcelona

FeyenoordFEY

Sem Steijn 82'

AI ForecastsGraded

Barcelona enter the League Stage as heavy favourites on home soil, carrying an eight-win-in-ten streak and formidable attacking output. Feyenoord arrive unbeaten in their last ten but face a steep step up in class, with several squad injuries and limited European pedigree. The…

Match ResultHome Win72%

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Match Stats

Top Stats

1.62xG0.52

72%Possession28%

24 (9)Shots (on target)4 (2)

3Big Chances Created2

Attacking Play

3.19xG on Target0.97

1.43Expected Assists (xA)0.46

84Final Third Entries17

21Penalty Area Entries9

Possession & Passing

794 · –Passes (accuracy)308 · –

4Corners1

18Poss. Won — Def 3rd23

24Poss. Won — Mid 3rd16

Duels & Pressing

54 (50%)Duels Won53 (50%)

8 (62%)Aerial Duels Won5 (39%)

50Ball Recoveries47

8.7PPDA (Pressing)19.6

Defending & Discipline

1Saves4

10Fouls12

-0.03Goals Prevented-1.81

Barcelona vs Feyenoord: Eric Garcia Misses UCL Opener

Published Fri 4 Sept

Barcelona begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign at home to Feyenoord on Wednesday, 9 September, in the first round of the league phase. Hansi Flick’s side will be without suspended right-back Eric Garcia, while injuries rule out Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji.

Team News and Injury Latest

Barcelona have included young forwards Hamza Abdelkarim and Jesse Bisiwu in their 25-man Champions League A list. Bisiwu is recovering from a minor knock but is expected to be available soon. Winger Roony Bardghji was omitted from the squad entirely after undergoing ACL surgery, which will keep him out for around six months. Midfielders Gavi (knee) and De Jong (MCL) also miss the opener, while Eric Garcia serves a one-match suspension carried over from a straight red card in last season’s quarter-final second leg against Atlético Madrid. Jules Kounde and Xavi Espart are the alternatives at right-back.

For Feyenoord, centre-back Gernot Trauner is sidelined with a knee problem and midfielder Quinten Timber is out with a foot injury. The Dutch side will need to reorganise their backline without Trauner’s leadership.

Barcelona Form Guide

Barça have been in prolific scoring form across friendlies and the early La Liga rounds. A 2‑0 home win over Athletic Bilbao and a 5‑0 thrashing of Elche were preceded by a 2‑1 victory against Al Ahly SC in the Joan Gamper Trophy and a 5‑2 friendly win at FC Basel. The only blemish was a 1‑0 pre‑season loss to Udinese. Over their last five matches in all competitions, Barcelona have scored 19 goals and conceded just five, with four of those fixtures producing at least three goals.

Feyenoord Form Guide

Feyenoord’s pre‑season and early Eredivisie results have painted a mixed picture. They drew 2‑2 with ADO Den Haag and Go Ahead Eagles either side of a 5‑2 victory at Cambuur and a 1‑0 win at Sparta Rotterdam. A 2‑1 friendly success over Atalanta also featured in the run. Across those five outings, Feyenoord found the net 12 times but also conceded seven, with both teams scoring in four of the five games. That openness may be a concern against a Barcelona attack in rampant mood.

Key Battle: Lamine Yamal vs Feyenoord’s Backline

Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal will be a constant threat with his direct running and close control. Feyenoord, missing injured Trauner, must guard against leaving space behind their high defensive line — any hesitation will invite Yamal to exploit the gap. The Dutch side’s ability to contain him will go a long way toward deciding whether they can leave Spain with a result.

Feyenoord then host Como on matchday two, while Barcelona travel to Galatasaray on 13 October. A winning start in a competitive group would give either side early momentum for the long league phase ahead.