Barcelona have ambitions to win a treble, but the first leg of the 2025/26 Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid raises big questions for Hansi Flick.
The Catalan team suffered several significant setbacks upon arriving in Madrid. Most notably, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha were both unable to recover from their injuries in time.
Previously, Barca also lost midfielder Pedri for an extended period, and he is only expected to return in about two weeks.
In that context, Hansi Flick was forced to make some adjustments to the starting lineup, especially on the left wing, to ensure balance.
Based on what's been happening in training, the versatile Dani Olmo will be chosen by Flick to fill the left wing position, with Ferran Torres playing as the central striker and the in-form Lamine Yamal occupying the right wing.
Pedri's absence is a clear factor, especially in a match of this intensity and high demand. Flick will have to choose between Marc Casade and the young talent Marc Bernal – who just scored his first goal for the Barca first team in the 3-0 win against Mallorca.
Casado was given a slight preference to partner Frenkie de Jong in midfield, while Fermin Lopez took on the attacking midfield role.
Barca were in a very relaxed state of mind heading into the Metropolitano, while Atletico were under immense pressure from their home crowd.
Hopes of challenging Atletico for La Liga title have almost vanished after a series of defeats. Diego Simeone, once a hero, is now booed by his own fans for poor results and his player selection.
The Copa del Rey has become Atletico's biggest hope. Simeone needs a positive result before the second leg at Camp Nou on March 3rd.
The Argentinian strategist faces the absence of the team's most in-form player at the moment, Pablo Barrios.
Finding a replacement for Barrios is crucial. Simeone could potentially give Rodrigo Mendoza a chance – the 20-year-old has only had a few days of training with the first team.
If there's one positive aspect, it's Lookman. This signing from Atalanta has been very impressive. Simeone hopes he will help "reactivate" Julian Alvarez, who has been out of form for some time.
Clashes between Atletico and Barca are always intense. This match also promises to be unpredictable.
Force:
Atletico: Barrios and Cardoso are injured.
Barca: Pedri, Gavi, Christensen, Raphinha, and Rashford are injured.
Predicted lineup:
Atletico (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Mendoza, Koke, Baena; Julian Alvarez, Lookman.
Barca (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Martin, Eric Garcia, Araujo, Cancelo; Bernal, De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo; Ferran Torres.
Match odds: Barca -1/4 handicap
Total goals: 3 1/4
Prediction: Barca wins 2-1 .
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-atletico-vs-barca-ban-ket-cup-nha-vua-2490071.html
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