After a terrible end to 2024, Barcelona have opened the new year on a positive note and could win their first title of the Hansi Flick era this weekend.
Barcelona, led by Flick, traveled to the Middle East to participate in the four-team Spanish Super Cup and will participate in the final match on Sunday after defeating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Wednesday evening.
The Blaugrana will have the advantage over a familiar opponent in the competition’s highlight having played on the evening before Real Madrid beat Mallorca 3-0, but they will be well aware that they will face Los Blancos for revenge given what happened. It unfolded in the Spanish capital on October 26.
Flick’s side is healthier heading into 2025, but there are unlikely to be sweeping changes since their semi-final win. This is the team the German could choose for Sunday’s final.
Goalkeeper: Iñaki Pena – Barcelona’s injury problems have eased, but first-choice player Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined. Pena will get the nod again.
Right-back: Jules Kounde – Real Madrid’s fluidity in attack means Kounde will face multiple faces on his wing on Sunday, but the Frenchman has the tools to avoid any star who tries to overpower him.
Centre-back: Pau Kuparsi – Recent reports suggest that Flick is keen to build his defense around the teenager, with captain Ronald Araujo linked with a move.
Center back: Inigo Martinez – Araujo is back from injury, but Barcelona’s impressive centre-back duo will not be broken this weekend after they kept a clean sheet in Wednesday’s semi-final win.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde – The young left-back has struggled to replicate the heights of his breakout year – and injuries haven’t helped in that regard – but Balde provided plenty of guile and attack against Athletic Club. He is Barcelona’s best option in this position.
CM: Mark Casado – La Masia’s last appearance was extremely impressive this season, and Frenkie de Jong was unable to join the team as a result. He will team up with his compatriot at the base of midfield in a bid to tame Jude Bellingham and co.
CM: Pedri – The world of football is a better place when Pedri is injury-free and performing at the top of his game. He and Casado have created a delightful dynamic in Flick’s midfield hub.
RM: Lamin Yamal – The teenager should be relatively fresh for Sunday’s final after coming off after the hour mark against Athletic after scoring Barcelona’s second goal. Yamal tore Madrid apart in the October Clásico.
AM: Javi – Flick has facilitated Javi’s comeback since returning from a long-term knee injury, and produced his best performance of the season in Wednesday’s semi-final in a more advanced role. With the absence of Dani Olmo. The diminutive Spaniard should continue in the same role.
LM: Rafinha – The Brazilian has enjoyed an excellent scoring season, but wasted a huge blow on Wednesday night. Flick hopes that his replacement captain will not leave his scoring boots in 2024.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski – Lewandowski was also guilty of wasting chances against Athletic, but he tends to show up in this match. The Pole scored ten goals in 16 matches against Real Madrid, four of which came in a memorable way during his brilliance with Borussia Dortmund.
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