Barcelona started the new year on a high note and could win their first trophy under Hansi Flick this weekend, following a terrible end to 2024.
After defeating Athletic Club 2-0 on Wednesday night, Flick's Barcelona has left for the Middle East to compete in the four-team Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
Having played the night before Real Madrid defeated Mallorca 3-0, La Blaugrana will have the advantage over a familiar opponent in the competition's main event. However, considering what happened in the Spanish capital on October 26, they will be well aware that they are facing a Los Blancos team seeking retribution.
Although Flick's team is healthier going into 2025, their semi-final victory is unlikely to result in significant improvements. The German could select this squad for the final on Sunday.
Here is a possible lineup for Barcelona versus their rivals in the Clasico.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid [4-2-3-1]
GK: Inaki Pena – Although Barcelona's injury problems have subsided, star player Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still out. Pena will be chosen once more.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Injuries have made it difficult for the talented left-back to duplicate the success of his breakthrough season, but against Athletic Club, Balde provided a lot of cunning and offensive thrust. He is without a doubt Barca's best choice at the position.
CB: Inigo Martinez – Barcelona won't lose this weekend despite Araujo's return from injury because they maintained a clean sheet in their victory in the semi-final on Wednesday.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – With captain Ronald Araujo said to be leaving, recent reports indicate Flick is eager to center his defense around the teenager.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde will have a number of faces down his flank on Sunday due to Madrid's attacking mobility, but the Frenchman is equipped to eject any superstar who tries to overwhelm him.
CM: Pedri – When Pedri is healthy and playing at his best, the football world is a better place. Flick's midfield pivot has developed a happy dynamic between him and Casado.
CM: Marc Casado – This season, La Masia's new star has been absolutely outstanding, and as a result, Frenkie de Jong is unable to join the squad. In an attempt to subdue Jude Bellingham and company, he will play at the base of midfield beside his countryman.
LM: Raphinha – The Brazilian has had an incredible season in terms of goals, but on Wednesday night he was incredibly wasteful. Flick will be hoping that in 2024, his replacement captain hasn't lost his scoring touch.
AM: Gavi – After recovering from a chronic knee ailment, Flick has gradually reintegrated Gavi, who gave his best performance of the year in a more advanced role on Wednesday in the semi-final. The small Spaniard should continue in the same capacity since Dani Olmo is not there.
RM: Lamine Yamal – The teenager, who scored Barcelona's second goal against Athletic on the hour, should be reasonably fit for Sunday's final. In the October Clasico, Yamal ripped Madrid to pieces.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Despite his tendency to play in this match, Lewandowski was also guilty of squandering opportunities against Athletic. The Pole has scored ten goals versus Madrid in 16 outings, including four memorable goals when playing for Borussia Dortmund.
Comments