The Champions League Group Stage has finally reached its final round of games, and several Americans are feeling the crunch, needing results to stay alive in the competition as YA takes a look at the game(s) of the (mid)week.
Barcelona suffered a disappointing loss to visiting Betis in Sergiño Dest’s first start under new coach Xavi, while Yunus Musah only got a short drink of water for Valencia at the tail end of their win over Celta Vigo.
The much-awaited meeting between Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie ended with Chelsea humiliating Juventus, while the other all-Yank battle over in Group G left Brenden Aaronson, Tim Weah and John Brooks all with with hopes to advance.
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.
Let’s briefly turn our attention to three USA internationals who, for various reasons, did not join their teammates for the recently-completed World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Jamaica.
Christian Pulisic has had a difficult time at Chelsea the past few months, but that could change in January as it appears that Spanish La Liga side Barcelona has listed him as one of their targets when the winter transfer window opens.
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.
On the same day he was omitted from Gregg Berhalter’s latest USMNT roster, Barcelona clarified that Sergiño Dest is suffering from a back problem that will keep him off of the field for the time being.
It was a largely uneventful weekend for Americans in Spain, with Sergiño Dest being the only player called into action in a disappointing home results for in-flux Barcelona.
