Still recovering from a heartbreaking Copa del Rey semifinals exit, Barcelona journey to the Basque nation to tackle Athletic Club on Saturday aiming to proceed their La Liga title cost.
Hansi Flick’s facet had been sensible final day trip and nearly pulled-off a miraculous comeback to proceed their Copa del Rey title protection. In the tip, although, the outlet they dug for themselves within the first leg was just a bit too deep, and Atlético Madrid survived to advance to the ultimate.
Still, the hassle and total efficiency might encourage might encourage Barcelona as they enter the decisive portion of the season. The focus is now positioned on persevering with the optimistic momentum in La Liga, and successful in San Mamés will hold them firmly within the driver’s seat atop the title race.
Barcelona Suddenly Alarmingly Short of Defenders
Perhaps extra devastating than the Copa del Rey elimination had been the accidents each Barcelona beginning fullbacks suffered in Tuesday’s second leg. Jules Koundé after which Alejandro Balde had been compelled to exit the competition and each are anticipated to overlook round 4 weeks, with the previous maybe rather less relying on his evolution.
Andreas Christensen will miss the remainder of the season, that means Barcelona’s defensive depth is just about nonexistent. Fortunately for Flick, Eric García is again out there for choice after lacking his first recreation of the season by way of suspension.
García’s return will permit makeshift middle again Gerard Martín to return to his pure place on the left changing Balde. João Cancelo has been stellar as of late and can change Koundé on the best. Still, Ronald Araújo is the one different defender out there off the bench—other than academy kids.
Robert Lewandowski returned to coaching carrying a masks that protects his fractured eye-socket and will see some minutes on Saturday. Gavi can be again in coaching, however it could be too early to count on the injury-plagued midfielder to make his first look since final August.
- Key accidents, absentees, doubts: Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde.
- Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—Keeping consecutive league clear sheets for the primary time in 2026 might go a great distance in García’s hopes of getting a maiden name to Spain’s senior nationwide crew later this month.
RB: João Cancelo—The Portuguese fullback has appeared again to his Manchester City greatest in his final two begins, gathering two assists within the course of.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The teenager performed his greatest match of the season within the second leg in opposition to Atléti, showcasing he has the standard to grow to be Barcelona’s undisputed backline chief.
CB: Eric García—After that includes within the first 40 video games Barça performed this season, García will hope the second leg in opposition to Atléti is the one one he misses the remainder of the way in which.
LB: Gerard Martín—Although Martín nonetheless has loads of room for enchancment, his availability and flexibility this season have been important for Flick. Barcelona are certain glad he didn’t go away final summer season.
DM: Marc Bernal—If the previous month is any indication, we’re witnessing Bernal’s breakout. Fully recovered from an ACL harm, the 18-year-old has appeared the a part of a prototypical Barça midfielder off late, scoring 4 objectives within the final month as nicely.
DM: Pedri—Pedri was visibly exhausted and utterly drained at full time final day trip. He’ll get the nod to start out however it wouldn’t be stunning if he leaves the pitch a bir earlier to get some relaxation since he simply returned from harm.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Yamal was the spark that just about ignited Barça’s unbelievable comeback. Don’t look now, however he’s one once more wanting like one of the best participant on this planet with the season coming into its climax.
AM: Dani Olmo—The competitors between Olmo and Fermín López has resumed and it’s the platinum blonde attacking midfielder who will get the nod in San Mamés. He’ll attempt to finish a run of 5 video games with no purpose contribution.
LW: Raphinha—Although the Brazilian is the engine behind Barcelona’s high-press system, he’s additionally been considerably erratic in assault in current video games. The Catalans sorely want 2024–25 Raphinha throughout the run-in.
ST: Ferran Torres—Torres is in a little bit of a hunch after enduring a goalless February. He’s getting possibilities to make an impression however he’s been wasteful and Barcelona appear to have a rising drawback at middle ahead, with Lewandowski not faring a lot better both.
