I guess the lineup is fine. Lamine yamal gets his first start in a while. Fermin Lopez gets some much needed game time for his development to progress due to Gavi's suspension which I think is a blessing in disguise. He needed a rest before the el classico this weekend. So does Andres Christiensen and Inigo Martinez gets a start. Oriol Romeu needs to find his groove and let's hope he gets it back this game for hell we need him to do well against Real madrid this coming weekend. Him having a stinker might actually cost us the game.

Not sure why Marcos alonso is starting ahead of balde. Hope it is not an injury concern and it is just Xavi resting Balde's legs for the classico.

Start!

Gundogan looking sharp in the opening minutes. These are the nights he was brought in for - to make us real contenders for the champions league. However, his performances in la liga has been sedated so far.

These commentators really need to do their homework. They keep calling lamine yamal fermin Lopez, and vice versa. This is annoying and stupid. Show their lack of competence.

Finally Joao Cancelo is moving up the right flank. He needs to start linking up with Lamine yamal. Their dynamic was something I was pretty excited about but it has been pretty dismal. They have not shown any understanding of each other's game whatsoever.

Halfway through the first half and neither team has yet staked any real claim on the game yet. Shaktar has been solid defensively and Barca haven't really looked to penetrate the lines in any meaningful way so far.

What a miss Joao Cancelo! He just didn't get enough power behind his shot. We should have had the lead here.

1-0!

What just happened there! Out of nothing barca lead! Beautiful through ball from Gundogan and Fermin Lopez's shot hits the post. Ferran Torres smashes the rebound into the back of the net. The on field call was offside. But on VAR check, the goal stands and Barca Lead 1-0! Fermin Lopez is making those crucial runs into the box from midfield! Fantastic play overall.

2-0!

What a super strike from Fermin Lopez! Again finds himself in a great attacking position after making a brilliant run from the midfield again and takes a super shot from outside the box!

Finally some sustained interplay between Lamine Yamal and Joao Cancelo.

Don't think Ferran Torres really deserved that yellow card there, pretty harsh.

Half Time, 2-0 to Barcelona!

I am hoping Xavi will get some rotations in the second half. It is too early to tell and I don't wanna sound too cocky, but the game seems done and dusted. Shaktar has not looked at all like they are in any mood to score any goals. They were probably playing for a nil nil draw and all joy seemed to get sucked out of them after the first goal.

Restart!

A promising minute of play from Shaktar. There might still be life in their game.

Good cross from Joao Cancelo to Marcos Alonso, but an equally good save from the Shaktar keeper.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but Lamine Yamal hasn't really impacted the game in any meaningful way for a few games now. I get it, he is just 16 so he will need time. Just throwing it out there.

Romeu hasn't had a stinker today, but not a great game either.

Yamal still has a lot of maturity to gain. he could have cleared played Ferran Torres there, but instead he decides to go for goal himself.

2-1!

And Shaktar pulls one back from a brilliant counter attack and they are back in it now! And suddenly Shaktar Looks very much alive.

Ooof! Fermin lopez hits the post 3rd time this game!

You have got to be kidding me! Joao Felix is down with an injury! Last thing we needed before the classico.

Marc Guiu, the 17 year old comes on to replace him.

Shaktar is really starting to threaten another goal here. Nervy moments for Barca at the moment.

Fermin lopez makes way and Marc Casado gets a few minutes with the first team - another kid from La Masia!

Barca looking just a bit too casual with their defending now.

Now Ferran Torres looks to be in excruciating pain after dangerous foul play from Shaktar. Should have been a red card.

Ferran still looks very uncomfortable, but continues on.

7 minutes of added time, and the game still far from done!

Lamine Yamal's final touches has been pretty awful today.

That should bet it, and it is!

Final Time, Barcelona 2-1 Shaktar!