With Barcelona’s Champions League fate on the line when they host Benfica on Tuesday evening, Sergiño Dest’s ability to play is a distinct possibility, but will still be a late decision according to new head coach Xavi.
FC Barcelona confirmed today that Sergiño Dest is still out of action due to a minor back problem that kept him out of the latest World Cup qualifiers, and will not be available for new coach Xavi’s first game tonight.
The fourth round of games in the Champions League group stage is now completed, and the picture of which Americans in the competition will join in next year’s knock-out round or watch from their couch is beginning to come clear.
Christian Pulisic made his long-awaited return to action in Chelsea’s narrow win in Malmö while Weston McKennie and Juventus stayed perfect in the group in a high-scoring home match against Zenit. St. Petersburg.
After a seemingly endless absence, Christian Pulisic’s long-awaited return was confirmed by Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday evening ahead of their visit to Malmö in Champions League play.
There were wildly mixed fortunes in midweek Champions League action, with Brendon Aaronson and Weston McKennie helping their teams to the cusp of knock-out round qualification, and Tyler Adams playing an unfortunate role in Leipzig’s collapse to PSG.
Sergiño Dest and Barcelona suffered another heavy defeat on their visit to Benfica, while Brenden Aaronson put in a solid shift for Salzburg, who beat Tim Weah and Lille thanks to a pair of spot kicks.
Jordan Pefok was the hero of the day for Young Boys, as his opportunistic last-second goal gave his team a stunning victory over Manchester United as the Champions League group stage kicked off.
The last hurdle into the Champions League group stages saw two teams with American interests go through, while two were knocked out of the competition.
