Brann vs. FC Barcelona: Champions League Quarterfinals Schedule, TV Channels, and Confirmed Lineups
The Champions League returns, the favorite competition of all football fans. FC Barcelona resumes its European journey as the reigning champions and one of the title favorites, facing Brann in Bergen, Norway, for the first leg of the quarterfinals. Brann, a team that emerged as a revelation in the group stage, will play their first knockout round in this competition.
The Nordic team qualified as runners-up in a group led by the formidable Olympique de Lyon, ahead of Slavia Prague and St. Pölten, both more experienced in the tournament. They won all matches except against Lyon, managing a commendable 2-2 draw against the French side in Bergen.
In the group stage, Brann conceded only seven goals in six matches, fewer than all teams except Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea, and Hacken. They scored a total of nine goals, with Justine Kielland netting three and contributions from Eikeland, Engesvik, Gaupset, Anasi, and Crummer.
This quarterfinal holds special significance for Caroline Graham Hansen and Ingrid Engen, both Norwegian players. Graham Hansen expressed her desire to face her country’s team, acknowledging Brann’s impressive group stage performance. Meanwhile, Engen emphasized the need for focus to advance to the semifinals.
Barcelona acknowledges their favoritism but remains aware of the unpredictability of football, especially in the Champions League. Coach Jonatan Giráldez has gradually regained his squad’s strength for this crucial phase, bringing almost all available players to Norway, including Alexia Putellas and Fridolina Rolfö, who recently returned from injuries.
Schedule and Where to Watch Brann vs. Barcelona The first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals between Brann and FC Barcelona will take place on Wednesday, March 20, starting at 21:00 CET at the Asane Arena in Bergen.
The match will be broadcasted on DAZN and TV3 in Catalonia.
Confirmed Lineups SK Brann: Mikalsen; Kvamme, Stenevik, Ostenstad, Tynnila, Lund; Kielland, Haugland; Engesvik, Crummer, Gaupset FC Barcelona: Cata Coll; Bronze, Paredes, Engen, Ona Batlle; Walsh, Aitana, Patri Guijarro; Graham, Mariona, Salma
