Vidal: "They don't play against a Bundesliga team, but against the best in the world"

Barcelona landed in Lisbon almost incognito, without crowds asking for autographs because there were no more than 50 fans crowded at the hotel door. There are no posters around the city - perhaps some Red Bull Salzburg marquees because the spirit brand has paid for it, but not the international body - nor is the usual UEFA fanfare appreciated. But like this, like a glancing blow, without raising his voice, Barcelona faces this express format of the Champions League. Perhaps he is doing better than in previous seasons, when he took for granted the triumphs against Roma and Liverpool, slaps from the fat ones later. Barça is measured against Bayern, a team that with coach Hansi Flick has won 29 of the 32 games they have played (two draws and one loss). Setién is clear: “We know the potential of the rival. We are not going to minimize it. It is a potentially extraordinary team, but we are too. It will be an even game, with alternatives. We have many things to say in this game ”.

From Germany and even since the Bayern expedition, the Bavarian team is considered the favorite. Arturo Vidal, who played three courses at Allianz Arena, was resounding: “I have listened but I have not paid attention because I know the Bayern people. What is talked about outside is not what the players think. Furthermore, this Friday they are not playing against Bundesliga teams, but against Barcelona, ​​the best team in the world ”. And Setién explained how he foresees the duel: “It will be important to have the ball because that allows us to defend ourselves for less time without him and his offensive potential is very high. If you have the ball, they don't have it and they won't hurt you. But then everything will depend on the success, as it usually happens ”. But the Barça coach was reluctant to reveal the tactic (the usual 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 with Griezmann on the bench). “We may think that drawing is important, but maybe not so much. I dont know. But what we are clear about is the talent and speed that this rival has in the offensive aspect. So when they have the ball there will be no choice but to defend. And if we have it and we overcome the pressure, we can do them a lot of damage ”.

But this Bayern, which has the injury of Pavard - so Kimmich will return to the side - and it remains to be seen how Davies continues (from the German team they say he will play), imposes any rival. No to Arturo Vidal, who persisted in his speech: “It is the most important game of the year. Hopefully it's our championship. Because although Bayern won the League and Cup, we are Barcelona and if we do what we have to do, we will surely pass ”. And he finished: “Bayern are always favorites everywhere, but they don't play against Barcelona, ​​the best team in the world. We'll see who wins ”.

Dembélé asks for a turn

With the Barça expedition, Ousmane Dembélé traveled, away from the playing fields six months ago after an intervention on the biceps femoris. And, although he is not discharged, it is already known that he will receive it hours before the start of the duel. Setién gave the clue: "The case of Dembélé is a satisfaction for all that can be included in the call," he explained. And he added: “He will be able to play for a few minutes if we consider it appropriate. He has not played for almost a year, but we have the illusion that he can do it for a few minutes and that he does it well ”.