Barcelona Captain Makes Triumphant Return to Guide Rising Stars Against Guadalajara
Barcelona begin their Copa del Rey title defense on Tuesday evening with a trip to face third-tier side Guadalajara in the round of 32.
Hansi Flick's team have enjoyed something of a revival following a challenging season opener, with their 2–0 victory over Osasuna last weekend representing their seventh consecutive La Liga triumph. Apart from a disastrous evening against Chelsea in European competition, Barcelona remain unbeaten since November.
Barcelona will meet Villarreal in their concluding league fixture of the campaign on Sunday. Their formidable opponents sit third in the table with two matches in hand and will be confident of ending Barcelona's league winning streak to stay competitive in the title hunt.
With that challenging weekend encounter approaching and considering the hectic fixture list of recent weeks, Flick is anticipated to heavily rotate his squad against Guadalajara to preserve some of his star players. Nevertheless, Barça's "second string" retains a considerable quality edge and should comfortably handle their third-tier opposition.
Here's how Barcelona might set up for their Copa del Rey campaign opener as they look to retain their title.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Guadalajara (4-2-3-1)
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen—Flick has already confirmed that either Wojciech Szczęsny or Ter Stegen will feature on Tuesday. Barcelona's skipper should receive the nod to make his first outing since May in what might serve as a showcase for other clubs considering a January transfer window approach.
RB: Eric García—The adaptable García probably won't be rested, instead returning to the right-back position where he excelled toward the end of the 2024–25 campaign when he fully established himself as an invaluable component of Flick's team.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Barcelona's center-back options have been reduced due to Ronald Araújo's temporary departure, meaning Cubarsí won't receive a break and will anchor the defense in their Copa Del Rey opener.
CB: Andreas Christensen—The ex-Chelsea defender will make his fourth appearance of the season, eager to seize his chance in hopes of expanding his role heading into 2026.
LB: Jofre Torrents—La Masia left-back Jofre Torrents has appeared in several matches this season and will earn his maiden start with his childhood club.
CM: Marc Bernal—Flick has seldom deployed the talented midfielder since his return from a lengthy knee problem. Many still view Bernal as the natural successor to Sergio Busquets in Barça's engine room and he'll aim to make a strong statement to revitalize his campaign.
CM: Marc Casadó—Casadó hasn't matched his impressive early 2024–25 season form this term but he continues to be a useful player capable of functioning across the midfield.
AM: Dro Fernández—Dro's playing time has been limited this season but whenever he's taken the field he's displayed flashes of his tremendous promise. He's among the most exciting young La Masia talents, just ask Pedri about him.
RW: Roony Bardghji—The Swedish youngster has demonstrated glimpses of the dynamic winger he could develop into and he'll be keen to cause problems as he did in his latest start against Real Betis.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—The experienced striker was rested last time out and he's set to spearhead the attack against Guadalajara hoping to rediscover the scoring instinct he's appeared to lose in recent matches.
LW: Fermín López—A slight injury interrupted the excellent form López had displayed from October through November. The dynamic forward will get an opportunity to recapture his peak performance against weaker opposition.
