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E-mail Xinhua, February 21, 2025
MADRID, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona travels to Las Palmas on Saturday, aiming to maintain their position at the top of the La Liga table.
Hansi Flick's side heads to the Canary Islands following a controversial 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, with referees under scrutiny after Rayo had a strong penalty appeal denied and a goal disallowed for a questionable offside decision.
Flick's squad rotation will be influenced by Tuesday's Copa del Rey semifinal first leg against Atletico Madrid, as he looks to field his strongest XI for that match.
"We are at a good physical level, but we also have to think about the coming games... It's part of our job, and we have to know how much the players can give us," Flick said.
As a result, Ferran Torres could start in attack while Robert Lewandowski is rested, and Fermin Lopez returns after serving a suspension against Rayo.
Defender Ronald Araujo is expected to return after recovering from an ankle knock, with Jules Kounde reclaiming his spot at right-back after starting on the bench on Monday.
Flick also dismissed concerns about Las Palmas' recent struggles, which have seen them go winless in their last six matches, with five losses and one draw.
Las Palmas won 2-1 at Barcelona in November, and Flick insisted Saturday's opponents are "much better than the table shows."
"They really complicated things for us in the home game," he added, while also offering words of support for Las Palmas captain Kirian Rodriguez, who recently announced a relapse of the cancer he first battled two years ago.
"We are all thinking about Kirian, who is in a difficult situation. We want to give all our support to him and his family, because health is the most important thing," assured Flick.
The Barcelona coach was also asked about the Champions League draw, which pits his team against Benfica, whom they defeated 5-4 away in the group stage.
"It will be difficult. They (Benfica) are playing well, and we have already witnessed that. Besides, there are no easy rivals at this stage of the Champions League," he said. Enditem
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