Hints from Flick for the classic eleven

Although for a few minutes it seemed that the match against Olympiacos could complicate for him, the azulgrana team managed to react in time and resolve the game comfortably. That margin allowed Flick to rotate and rest several key players thinking about the classic, something that the coaching staff had carefully planned to arrive in the best physical and mental conditions for the clash in Madrid.

Strategic rests and defined starters

With the score at 2-1 and certain defensive doubts, the script seemed to twist, but the expulsion of Hezze changed the course of the match. From there, Barça took control of the game and, with 4-1 in the 74th minute, Flick took the opportunity to make several changes. Koundé, Lamine Yamal, Balde, and Pedri were substituted, getting the rest that the coach had planned. Everything points to the fact that the four will be starters at the Bernabéu. Jules Koundé would occupy the right back, Balde the left, Lamine will be the reference of the attack from the right, and Pedri the brain of the midfield. Unless a last-minute setback occurs, that seems to be the baseline for the starting eleven.

The Araujo option gains strength

Another key name in Flick´s plans is Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan was a substitute both against Olympiacos and Girona, although in the latter match he came on in the final minutes and even played as a forward, becoming a hero. The coach seriously considers the possibility of including him from the start against Real Madrid, although the final decision has not yet been made. The presence of Mbappé and Vinicius in quick transitions makes Araujo´s physical, fast, and corrective profile a very attractive option to reinforce the defense. For his part, Fermín López, after his stellar performance in the last European match, has practically secured his place among the starters. On the other hand, Szczesny in goal leaves no room for debate: he is a fixed and unmovable choice for Flick.

Raphinha and Bardghji, weapons from the bench

In the match against Olympiacos, the roles of some players who will be key as impact substitutes could also be intuited. Raphinha is set to start the classic from the bench, a strategic decision by the coach to have his energy and imbalance in the second half. Alongside him, Bardghji emerges as another important offensive card. The young winger has shown flashes of great quality in recent training sessions and matches, and his progression is being closely monitored by the coaching staff.

A Barça with the intention of delivering a blow of authority

Flick´s team will face the classic with the clear intention of sending a message of strength after a somewhat irregular start to the season. The rotations in Europe allowed them to arrive with fresh pieces, and the coach´s tactical decisions reveal a precise plan to try to storm the Bernabéu and regain competitive confidence.