Will Three Spanish Clubs Triumph on the Road in Champions League?
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Synopsis
Three Spanish clubs are gearing up for crucial away matches in the Champions League. FC Barcelona faces Club Brugge, Athletic Club Bilbao revisits a historic venue against Newcastle, and Villarreal seeks their first victory this season. Will they overcome the odds and secure vital points on the road?
Key Takeaways
- FC Barcelona is set to clash with Club Brugge in Belgium.
- Athletic Club Bilbao seeks redemption against Newcastle United.
- Villarreal aims for their first Champions League win against Pafos FC.
- Key players are returning to the starting lineups.
- The atmosphere at St. James' Park is expected to be electric.
Madrid (Spain), Nov 4 (NationPress) Three Spanish clubs are set for challenging away fixtures in the Champions League this Wednesday. FC Barcelona will head to Belgium to take on Club Brugge, while Athletic Club Bilbao revisits the site of a memorable comeback, and Villarreal looks for a significant away victory in Cyprus.
Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick can count on Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski being available for the match against Club Brugge. However, they will miss midfielder Pedri and forward Raphinha for this trip. Lamine Yamal, dealing with a pelvic injury, may start on the bench. If he does, Lewandowski is expected to spearhead the attack with Ferran Torres on the right wing.
Athletic Club Bilbao is set to face Newcastle United, a fixture that brings back memories of a legendary UEFA Cup encounter from the 1994-95 season. In that second round, Athletic rallied from a 3-0 deficit against a Newcastle squad that was then at the top of the Premier League. The Spanish side managed to come back to 3-2 in England and advanced on away goals after a 1-0 win in Bilbao, as reported by Xinhua.
Despite the nostalgia, Athletic arrives in this match struggling, having faced two consecutive defeats in La Liga. With some key players like Nico Williams not fully fit, the Basque team will need to perform at their peak to counter Newcastle's attacking threats, including Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle, fresh off a loss to West Ham United over the weekend, is expected to encounter a vibrant atmosphere at the packed St. James' Park on Wednesday.
Villarreal, still searching for their rhythm in this Champions League season, has a golden opportunity for their first win as they travel to face Pafos FC, who currently sit second in the Cypriot league.
Villarreal stands third in Spain after a resounding 4-0 victory at home against Rayo Vallecano. Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral is fortunate to reintegrate players like Tajon Buchanan, Ayoze Perez, Dani Parejo, and Pape Gueye into the starting eleven following their appearances off the bench in the weekend's match.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of these Champions League matches for the Spanish clubs. Their performance not only impacts their standings but also the reputation of Spanish football on the European stage. We'll be closely monitoring their progress and the narratives that unfold during these pivotal encounters.
NationPress
05/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams are playing in the Champions League this Wednesday?
Three Spanish clubs will be playing: FC Barcelona, Athletic Club Bilbao, and Villarreal.
Where is Barcelona playing?
Barcelona is traveling to Belgium to face Club Brugge.
What historical significance does Athletic Club Bilbao's match have?
Athletic Club Bilbao is revisiting St. James' Park, where they famously overturned a 3-0 deficit against Newcastle in the 1994-95 UEFA Cup.
Who is Villarreal playing against?
Villarreal will be facing Pafos FC in Cyprus.
How are the Spanish clubs performing lately?
Barcelona and Villarreal are coming off strong performances, while Athletic Club Bilbao has struggled with recent defeats in La Liga.
