At the Johan Cruyff Stadium, Barcelona Atlètic return from the international break with the chance to protect top spot against SD Logroñés. Juliano Belletti’s side host the visitors at 16:00, aiming to make home advantage count again in a match overseen by 24-year-old Aragonese referee Jorge Fle Usón.
International returnees strengthen Belletti’s plans
The break had temporarily taken three important players away from the Barça Atlètic squad, but all are back and included from the start against Logroñés.
- Orian Goren returns after making his Israel Under-21 debut and resumes his key role in midfield.
- Catovic is back following duty with Germany Under-20.
- Bisiwu returns from the Belgium Under-21 camp and could make his official competitive debut for the reserve side.
Belletti has also welcomed back Ebrima Tunkara and Josué Caicedo. Tunkara receives his first call-up after suffering a heavy ankle blow during a pre-season match, while Caicedo is back in the group after having managed only an hour of action on the opening weekend of the campaign.
Pedro’s new deal, but no matchday place
Barcelona confirmed on the previous day that midfielder Pedro Rodríguez had extended his contract until 2030. The renewal will not be marked by an appearance against SD Logroñés, however, as the player has been left out of the selection on technical grounds.
Barcelona Atlètic team for SD Logroñés
Belletti has named a starting XI combining returning international players with the group that has helped the side establish itself at the summit.
- Starting XI: Iker Rodríguez; Guillem Víctor, Hafiz Gariba, Campos, Landry Farré; Argemí, Catovic, Orian Goren; Aziz, Ignasi Quer, Bisiwu.
- Substitutes: Max Bonfill, Caicedo, Ebrima, Shane Kluivert, Ybarra, Álex González, Joni Hernández, Teixi, Marcipar.
Iker Rodríguez and Max Bonfill were among the players out on the Johan Cruyff Stadium pitch during the pre-match warm-up, as Barça Atlètic prepared to pursue three points that would preserve their position as leaders.
