Barça Atlètic, which leads the table with a five-point advantage, is preparing for its visit to Olot with the intention of maintaining its dominance. Under the direction of Juliano Belletti, the reserve team seeks to surprise its rival and secure a victory that will allow it to remain at the top of the championship. Belletti has indicated that he will not rule out the introduction of new tactical variants for the match, especially against a team that usually defends solidly and looks for counterattacks.
Belletti's team will not have the presence of Àlex Campos and Orian Goren, who are called up to the first team for the next Clásico. The absence of these players forces the coach to choose between several options for the central defense. Iker Rodríguez, who has conceded just two goals this season, is one of the most likely alternatives, although summer signing Javi Castro could also make his debut. In addition, Sergi Mayans, who is recovering from an injury, is expected to return to the squad, although his participation will depend on his state of form.
As for the probable lineup, Belletti has announced that he will have Iker Rodríguez, Guillem Víctor, Javi Castro, Hafiz Gariba, Landry Farré, Ebrima Tunkara, Catovic, Argemí, Aziz, Ignasi Quer and Bisiwu. The substitutes will include Pedro Rodríguez and Joni Hernández, who have participated in the Youth League. For its part, Olot will have a squad that includes Ballesté, Pablo Santiago, Fuentes, Ayala, Arumí, Muntadas, Soler, Marchán, Puigbert, Meddeb and Marc Mas. The referee will be Sánchez Sancho, from Aragón.
Olot's coach, Roger Vidal, has highlighted the intensity and quality of Barça Atlètic, underlining the need to defend solidly and win duels at a distance from the area. For his part, Belletti has emphasized the importance of surprising the opponent and keeping the pressure high, taking advantage of the youth and energy of his players. With the game scheduled at 5:30 p.m., both teams will face each other at the Olot Municipal Stadium, where Barça Atlètic seeks to consolidate its leadership position and Olot tries to achieve its first victory at home.