Tactics
Barcelona’s attacking 4-3-3 formation is virtually enshrined in the club’s charter, and with Xavi as head coach, there’s certainly no changing that. Since the former club captain took over the reins in November 2021, this formation has been deployed in 25 out of 28 matches. In the other three, the Catalans opted for a back three.
Circular ball movement from one penalty area to the other, forming triangles in order to always have two passing options, and targeted switches of sides are as much a part of the repertoire as a disciplined shape for counter-pressing quickly – and with as many players as possible – when possession has been lost.
Absentees
Sergiño Dest misses out with a muscle injury in his left thigh. Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti are all still in rehabilitation following their injuries, while there’s also a question mark over Gerard Piqué, who came off in the first leg with an adductor strain.
With the exception of Tuta, who is suspended following his sending-off in the first leg, Frankfurt have everyone available. There is a doubt over Djibril Sow, who sustained a knock to his knee in Sunday’s match against Freiburg.
Best of the stats
Filip Kostic has set up eight shots on goal after so-called ‘carries’ in the UEFA Europa League this season – that is, when a player travels with the ball for five or more metres. No other player has managed more during the current competition.
Frankfurt’s 195 crosses, including corners, is the highest figure in the Europa League.
Barcelona are debutants in the Europa League in its current form, and are thus the 224th club to have taken part in the competition.
