Barcelona have come a long way since Xavi was appointed head coach in 2021. That season, the Blaugrana struggled in the Champions League and ultimately bowed out in the group stage.
in Xavi's first Champions League game as coach (against Benfica), he started a back three of Clement Lenglet, Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique. Jordi Alba played as a left-wingback.
On the bench, Xavi could call on defenders like Sergino Dest, Eric Garcia, Oscar Mingueza, Samuel Umtiti and Alejandro Balde.
Here's what the back four looked like on the day:
This defence was not good enough to get past the group stage
Later today, Barca will play their first Champions League game of the season. It's Xavi's third attempt to get past the group stage.
Here are the defenders available to Xavi now: Balde, Alonso, Inigo Martinez, Christensen, Araujo, Kounde, Sergi Roberto and Joao Cancelo.
They may not necessarily start today but this is Xavi's best back-four right now
What are the odds of Barca getting past the group stage with this new-look defence?
