Barça Atlètic is preparing for its seventh matchday of the Second Federation with the intention of maintaining the leadership it has maintained since the beginning of the season. At the Estadi Johan Cruyff, the team led by Juliano Belletti will face Utebo FC, with the expectation of continuing the winning streak that has marked the course of the campaign.
Egyptian striker HamzaAbdelkarim, who has spent most of the season with the first team, did not join training on Friday. The player, who has only accumulated 12 minutes in the first team (four against Rayo and eight against Getafe), will debut with the reserve team, where he is already signed. His absence is due to the need to maintain the pace of the competition and the availability of Raphinha, who has returned to Betis, reducing the need for his presence in the major matches. Barça Atlètic seeks to take advantage of Abdelkarim's experience to strengthen its attack in the next match.
Belletti's team has maintained a solid defense, having conceded only one goal in the first six rounds of the championship, while on the offensive front they have scored 13 goals. The combination of defensive solidity and scoring efficiency has been key to the streak of four consecutive victories, which includes the 1‑0 victory over SD Logroñés, where Juan Ybarra scored in the 89th minute. The victory over Logroñés, the 5th of 6 in total, has reinforced the position of leader of the group.
EbrimaTunkara, who returned to play after a ligament injury to his left ankle, played about 20 minutes in the last game, leaving good impressions. Belletti is expected to decide whether to introduce him from the beginning or reserve him for the second half of the next match. The decision will be made based on the player's physical condition and the game strategy against Utebo.
Utebo, which arrives in Barcelona after a goalless draw with CD Arnedo, has had an irregular start to the championship, with one victory, four draws and one defeat in its first six games. The match, which will be broadcast on Barça Play and on YouTube, promises to be a challenge for Barça Atlètic, which seeks to consolidate its dominance in the table and continue its excellent start to the season.