There is a surprise in Barça's starting eleven to welcome
14 November 2026·3 min read·Verónica Gómez
Barcelona have a surprise start for Arsenal's highly-anticipated visit to the Spotify Camp Nou after coach Pere Romeu released his starting eleven. The most obvious change reported: the
There is a surprise in the first eleven of Barça to welcome
The result affects how F.C. Barcelona are viewed in the wider season picture.
Key Points
There is a surprise in the first eleven of Barça to welcome.
Irene Paredes returned to the starting eleven after receiving medical clearance from a myofibrillar injury; Aitana Bonmatí will start from the bank.
Once con sorpresa para la esperada visita del Arsenal.
Barcelona have a surprise start for Arsenal's highly-anticipated visit to the Spotify Camp Nou after coach Pere Romeu released his starting eleven. The most obvious change reported: the return of Irene Paredes to the starting lineup after receiving medical clearance this Thursday, she finished her treatment against myofibrillar damage to the biceps femoral of the left leg.
The return of Paredes is big news for the blaugrana as he is known as a leader in defense and will provide added experience and calmness at the back. According to the report, the player has completed the rehabilitation and is ready to venture again in a high-profile game at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Among the surprising decisions was the benching of Aitana Bonmatí as a forward. Bonmatí's lack of presence in the starting eleven is considered one of the big surprises of the team's announcement, as he is usually in the center of the group and often runs as one of Barça's main playmakers.
The report did not give full details of the rest of the starting eleven or tactical changes, but it is clear that Pere Romeu has thought through the composition of his team ahead of Arsenal's arrival. The Spotify Camp Nou party is expected to generate a lot of attention from the fans, given the size of the venue and the reputation of both teams.
While the overall scheme or key alternatives from the bench were not discussed, the re-entry of Paredes and the benched start of Bonmatí could change the dynamic of the game—especially between the midfield and the defense. It will be key for Barça to distribute roles well and build chemistry quickly, especially if the player is just coming off injury.
Spotify Camp Nou will remain the center of attention on matchday as fans monitor how Barcelona will respond to these changes and how Pere Romeu will use his bench when critical moments arrive.
Image: the Barça team is shown before the match (credit to the source).
What's next
Attention now turns to the next fixture, possible lineup changes, and how coaches use this result in their preparation.
