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Champions League Road Tests: How Three Spanish Clubs Face Crucial Away Battles

Three Spanish clubs face challenging away matches in the Champions League this Wednesday. Barcelona travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge with several key players either injured or doubtful. Athletic Club Bilbao visit Newcastle United, evoking memories of their legendary 1994 comeback victory. Meanwhile, Villarreal have a golden opportunity to secure their first Champions League win against Cypriot side Pafos FC.

Key Points: Barcelona Athletic Villarreal Champions League Away Matches Preview

  • Barcelona travel to Belgium with Lewandowski fit but missing Pedri and Raphinha
  • Athletic Bilbao face Newcastle recalling their famous 1994 comeback victory
  • Villarreal seek first Champions League win against Cypriot side Pafos FC
  • Newcastle's St. James' Park expected to be packed despite weekend defeat to West Ham
2 min read

Champions League: Three Spanish clubs face tests on the road

Barcelona face Club Brugge without Pedri, Athletic recall historic Newcastle comeback, and Villarreal target first UCL win in Cyprus. Full squad updates and match previews.

"Athletic overturned a 3-0 deficit against a Newcastle side that was then leading the Premier League - Xinhua"

Madrid, Nov 4

Three Spanish clubs are on the road for Wednesday's Champions League matches, with FC Barcelona travelling to Belgium to face Club Brugge, Athletic Club Bilbao visiting the site of a legendary comeback, and Villarreal eyeing a strong opportunity for an away win in Cyprus.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will have Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski fit for the match against Club Brugge. However, midfielder Pedri and forward Raphinha are unavailable for the trip. Lamine Yamal, who is managing a pelvic injury, could start on the bench. If he does, Lewandowski would lead the attack with Ferran Torres on the right.

Athletic Club Bilbao travel to play Newcastle United, a fixture that evokes memories of a famous UEFA Cup clash from the 1994-95 season. In that second-round tie, Athletic overturned a 3-0 deficit against a Newcastle side that was then leading the Premier League. The Spanish club fought back to 3-2 in England before advancing on away goals after a 1-0 win in Bilbao, reports Xinhua.

Athletic arrive in poor form after consecutive defeats in La Liga. With key players such as Nico Williams not fully fit, the Basque side will need to be at its best to contain Newcastle's attacking talents, including Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle lost to West Ham United at the weekend, but a great atmosphere is expected at a packed St. James' Park on Wednesday.

Villarreal have yet to find their footing in this Champions League campaign, but coach Marcelino Garcia Toral's side has a prime chance for its first win when it travels to face Pafos FC, which is currently second in the Cypriot league.

Villarreal are third in Spain after a 4-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano. Marcelino has the luxury of reintegrating players such as Tajon Buchanan, Ayoze Perez, Dani Parejo, and Pape Gueye into his starting lineup after they began the weekend victory on the bench.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
That 1994 comeback story gives me goosebumps! Athletic Club has such rich history. Hope they can recreate some of that magic tonight despite their current form. 🤞
A
Arjun K
Villarreal should definitely win against Pafos. They're in good form and have quality players returning. This is their chance to get the campaign back on track! 💛
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Sarah B
As someone who follows European football closely, I feel Spanish clubs often struggle away from home in Champions League. Hope all three can prove me wrong tonight!
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Michael C
Newcastle's atmosphere at St. James' Park is legendary! Athletic Club will need to be mentally strong to handle that pressure. Should be an exciting match! 🏟️
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Nikhil C
Honestly, I'm worried about Athletic Club. Two consecutive losses in La Liga and key players not fully fit? Newcastle will be tough to beat at home. Hope I'm wrong though!

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