The Catalans will be gearing up for their first full season under head coach Xavi, who took charge of the team in the middle of last campaign.
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Barcelona will begin their preparations for the 2022-23 season with a pre-season friendly against Spanish fourth tier side Olot FC at Camp Municipal D’Olot on Wednesday night. The Catalans will be gearing up for their first full season under head coach Xavi, who took charge of the team in the middle of last season. The 42-year-old tactician did an impressive job of helping the Blaugrana secure second spot in the 2021-22 La Liga Santander behind champions Real Madrid. Meanwhile Olot played in the fifth Tercera Division RFEF-Group 5 last season,, but they will compete in the fourth tie for the 2022-23 season following promotion.
Ready for the preseason opener! pic.twitter.com/tGWTVAoy3Z
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 13, 2022
Olot managed to secure promotion courtesy of a second place finish in the Group 5 consisting of 17 teams. Manix Mandiola’s side accumulated 61 points from 32 games, just three behind leaders Manresa. Olot have let five first team players move on ahead of the new season, and are expected to make some new signings before the end of the transfer window. Wednesday’s encounter against five-time Champions League winners will test Mandiola’s men and it will be fascinating to see how they perform against the La Liga giants.
Barcelona on the other hand, had a trophy-less 2021-22 season. However, very few fans would have expected Blaugrana to secure second spot in La Liga after the disastrous start to the season under Ronald Koeman. Xavi’s arrival in November and some clever January signings changed the Catalan club’s fortunes, helping them to collect 73 points from 38 games, 13 behind winners Real Madrid. The arrival of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen this summer is certainly going to be a boost for the Catalan club. Barcelona will begin the 2022-23 La Liga season against Rayo Vallecano on August 14.
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Since it will be the first official warm-up game for both teams this season, new arrivals are likely to get some game time and both managers would be looking to build the fitness of the team.. Olot’s new signings Forgas and Ferran Brague are expected to start in the final third of the field. Mandiola is likely to use two different playing eleven for each half. As for Barcelona, new arrivals Kessie and Christensen would be itching to get on the field and gel with the new team. Pedri and Sergi Roberto are back from injuries and could get a spot in the playing eleven.
Olot probable starting line-up: Batalla; Blazquez, ayala, Mas, D Bigas; Serrano, Urri, Terma; Coros, Forgas, Burque
Barcelona probable starting line-up: Ter stegen; Roberto, Christensen, Araujo, Alba; Busquets, Pedri, Kessie; Depay, Aubameyang, F Torres.
The pre-season friendly match between Olot and Barcelona will take place at Camp Municipal D’Olot on Wednesday at 10:30 pm IST.
| Olot vs Barcelona | Key Details |
| Date | July 13 |
| Venue | Camp Municipal D’Olot |
| kickoff time in India | 10:30 pm |
| Kickoff time in Spain | 7:00 pm |
Unfortunately, there is no concrete information available on live streaming or telecast for the pre-season friendly between Olot and Barcelona. We will update the viewers as and when any information about streaming of the match becomes available.
