Flick's Barcelona Squad Decimated by Key Injuries Ahead of Crucial Atletico Madrid Clash
Following a crushing loss at the Metropolitano, Barcelona will be seeking retribution when they face Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg on Tuesday evening.
The Catalan side was shocked in the opening encounter by Diego Simeone's squad, who netted four first-half strikes past Joan García to establish a dominant position in the matchup two weeks prior. Barcelona's aspirations of retaining their Copa del Rey title now depend entirely on the club's capacity to overturn a four-goal disadvantage.
Hansi Flick's squad has transformed the Camp Nou into an impenetrable stronghold since their November return, compiling an immaculate run of 10 wins in their previous 10 home fixtures. However, it may require more than just the legendary venue to spark what would be a historic turnaround against Atlético Madrid.
Barcelona's Already Vulnerable Defense Misses Key Player
Barcelona's Already Vulnerable Defense Misses Key Player
This campaign has been plagued by defensive weaknesses for Barcelona, and the squad's backline troubles were prominently showcased in the opening leg. Adding to their woes, Eric García faces suspension for the return fixture following his red card in the final moments at the Metropolitano.
With Andreas Christensen also sidelined through injury, Hansi Flick must now position natural left-back Gerard Martín in central defense to fill the significant void in his defensive line. Ronald Araújo remains another possibility, though the 26-year-old has only made one start since 2026 began.
Barcelona's problems now reach into midfield following Frenkie de Jong's hamstring setback. Gavi has returned to practice, but it's probably premature to thrust the midfielder into such a crucial encounter after half a year away, creating an opportunity for Dani Olmo to partner with Pedri.
Robert Lewandowski, meanwhile, is dealing with a fractured eye socket and will be absent on Tuesday evening. Ferran Torres will spearhead the attack instead.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—The shot-stopper has redemption in mind following his poorest display of the campaign in the first encounter.
RB: Jules Koundé—Despite his erratic season, Koundé was the sole Barcelona defender to perform in the previous meeting with Atlético Madrid ... yet Ademola Lookman still managed two goal contributions.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The 19-year-old is poised to make his 115th appearance in Blaugrana colors, an milestone he'll hope to mark with an unusually error-free performance.
CB: Gerard Martín—With García banned, Martín partners with Cubarsí to assist the youngster in handling the dual threat of Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Similar to his fellow fullback, it's been a forgettable campaign for Balde, who was constantly exploited in the first leg. Barcelona cannot tolerate another disastrous showing from the Spaniard.
DM: Dani Olmo—Though not his preferred role, Olmo must retreat deeper to cover for the injured De Jong. Marc Casadó is another candidate, but the Spaniard has slipped in Flick's hierarchy recently.
DM: Pedri—The midfield virtuoso is set to make his first start since Jan. 21, and he must be at peak form to offset his injured colleague in the team's defensive midfield pairing.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Coming off his maiden career hat-trick, Yamal will have plenty of self-belief on Tuesday evening. The home side will require another exceptional display from the youngster to achieve a comeback.
AM: Fermín López—With three goal involvements in his past two outings, Fermín has rediscovered his form, a worrying prospect for Simeone.
LW: Raphinha—Barcelona transforms with Raphinha in the starting eleven. After being absent from the first leg, the Brazilian returns to the left flank, where he aims to cause chaos at Camp Nou.
ST: Ferran Torres—With just one goal in his previous nine matches, Torres would presumably not be Flick's preferred choice to lead the attack in such a vital game, but Lewandowski's injury gives the German manager few alternatives.