3 AM, Barcelona's Revenge Match! Starting XI Confirmed, 15 Days, 5 Matches in the Pursuit of a Treble

As the clock strikes 3 AM Beijing time on April 13, Barcelona will take to the pitch in a highly anticipated La Liga Round 31 match against Leganes. With a 0-1 defeat in the first round of the season still fresh in their minds, Barcelona is out for revenge. This match, however, is much more than just a chance to settle an old score. It's the beginning of a 15-day, five-match stretch that will define Barcelona's season as they push for an unprecedented treble.

Over the next two weeks, Barcelona will be fighting on multiple fronts: La Liga, Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. With the La Liga title at stake and the Champions League quarterfinals approaching, Barcelona is in the middle of one of the most important stretches in the club's history.

A Shock Loss to Leganes: The Stage is Set for Redemption

In the first encounter of the season, Barcelona suffered an unexpected and shocking 0-1 loss to Leganes. The match, played at the Camp Nou, was a stunner that no one saw coming. Prior to that defeat, Barcelona had never lost to Leganes at home in their history. The shock loss was a blow, but it also served as a strong motivator for the team to get back on track and prove that they are a team capable of competing for the highest honors.

At the time of the loss, Barcelona was still struggling with consistency, but their form has since improved dramatically. They have now moved to the top of the La Liga standings, with 67 points from 30 matches, a significant improvement from earlier in the season. However, Barcelona knows that they cannot afford any more slip-ups, especially against a Leganes team that is fighting for survival in the relegation zone.

With this revenge match on the horizon, Barcelona's motivation is clear: they need to claim all three points and ensure that the loss to Leganes remains nothing more than an unfortunate blip on their season.

Barcelona’s Unbeaten Streak: A Record Within Reach

Entering 2025, Barcelona has been nearly unstoppable. Since the turn of the year, they have gone 23 matches unbeaten, winning 19 and drawing 4. This impressive run ranks as the sixth-longest unbeaten streak in the club’s history, and with just one more match to go, they could match the fifth-longest unbeaten streak, set by Frank Rijkaard in the 2005-06 season at 24 matches.

Barcelona’s longest unbeaten run came in the 2015-16 season under Luis Enrique, when they went 39 matches without a defeat, a record that still stands. With their eyes firmly fixed on both domestic and European glory, Barcelona’s unbeaten streak has been one of the most significant stories of the season. But now, as they face the grueling stretch ahead, maintaining that unbeaten run will be a key part of their pursuit of the treble.

15 Days, 5 Matches: A Treble in Sight

From April 12 to April 26, Barcelona will face five crucial matches, with La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey all in the balance. The results of these five matches will determine whether Barcelona's dream of winning the treble remains alive or falls apart.

• April 13: Leganes (A) – A chance to exact revenge and keep their La Liga title hopes alive.

• April 16: Celta Vigo (H) – Another crucial match in La Liga as Barcelona battles for points at home.

• April 19: Mallorca (A) – A key road trip to ensure Barcelona stays at the top of the table.

• April 22: Borussia Dortmund (A) – The Champions League quarterfinals are upon Barcelona, with a trip to Dortmund.

• April 26: Real Madrid (N) – The Copa del Rey final, where Barcelona will face off against their eternal rivals for a shot at domestic glory.

This stretch represents one of the most intense periods in Barcelona's season, with multiple high-stakes encounters that could either make or break their pursuit of glory across all competitions. For manager Hansi Flick and his squad, every match will carry enormous significance.

Full Strength Expected: No Rotation Against Leganes

Despite the packed fixture list, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has made it clear that there will be no rotation for this match against Leganes. Flick has stressed that the team’s focus must be fully on securing the three points and avenging their earlier loss to Leganes.

While some fans expected that Flick might rotate his squad given the busy schedule ahead, especially with the Champions League quarterfinals just around the corner, Flick is determined to send out his best team against Leganes. He believes that Barcelona’s primary focus needs to be on this game, as a slip-up could derail their La Liga title charge.

Reports indicate that Barcelona’s starting XI will be as follows:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1

• Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Koubassi, Alejandro Balde

• Midfielders: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong

• Attacking Midfielders: Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha

• Striker: Ferran Torres

Flick’s decision to stick with his best lineup underscores the importance he places on this match. Barcelona cannot afford to take Leganes lightly, even with their struggles in La Liga. The team must be at its best to ensure they come away with the necessary result.

Key Players to Watch: Pedri, De Jong, and Torres

Several players will play a crucial role in Barcelona’s success against Leganes. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have been central to Barcelona’s dominance in the midfield, and their ability to control the game and provide creative sparks will be essential to breaking down Leganes’ defense. Both players have been key to Barcelona’s unbeaten run, and their form will be vital as the team navigates this challenging period.

Meanwhile, Raphinha and Yamal will be tasked with providing width and pace on the wings, stretching Leganes’ defense and creating space for the attacking players. Ferran Torres, who will be leading the line in place of the rested Robert Lewandowski, will need to be clinical in front of goal and continue his good form to help Barcelona secure a vital win.

The Pressure Mounts: A Legacy at Stake

This series of five matches isn’t just about securing victories—it's about creating a legacy. If Barcelona can navigate this challenging period successfully and lift the La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey trophies, it will go down as one of the greatest seasons in club history. The pressure is enormous, but so is the opportunity.

Barcelona's squad is deep, talented, and in fantastic form. But maintaining their focus and composure during these five crucial matches will be the key to whether they can secure their third treble in history. This is a team that has already overcome adversity, having bounced back from their early-season struggles. If they continue to play with the same intensity and drive, Barcelona could be set to make history once again.

For Flick and his players, the road to the treble begins now. Every match from here on out matters, and Barcelona knows that they must give everything to achieve their dreams. A victory against Leganes is just the first step in what will be an unforgettable journey.