In the new league phase format of the Champions League, Barca faced Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park where Hansi Flick’s men made a comeback to win 3-2. Now they clash again in the Champions League Quarter-final.
Hansi Flick’s possible game plan
Hansi Flick will probably enter this tie with a revised plan. A few changes to the lineup and tactics can ensure Barca’s smooth qualification to the semi-finals.
Frenkie de Jong over Marc Casado
The Dutch maestro has gained Flick’s confidence and has been receiving considerable minutes over the La Masia prodigy Marc Casado.
In another match, Casado would have been the ideal choice. However, when facing Dortmund’s tight man-marking to deny Barca any space to progress, Frenkie de Jong is the right pick. The German team often presses the backline while covering the midfielders to force an error from the defense. Marc Casado is a gifted player on the ball, but he is not better than Frenkie. The Dutch midfielder has an exceptional quality to get out of tight spaces, carry the ball. This can help Barca to transition defense into attack consistently. Frenkie helped change the game in the previous clash.
Ferran Torres over Lewandowski
Ferran Torres already proved he’s the right option against Dortmund after coming off the bench and scoring 2 goals to seal the win for Barca. Ferran has the ability to be involved in quick attacking transitions and get into the final-third way faster than Lewandowski. He makes constant forward runs to provide the midfielders with an option and to stretch the pitch vertically.
In conclusion, these two changes to the lineup can provide Barca get an early comfortable lead as fast as possible in both the matches. After a comfortable lead has been established, Flick can sub in Casado to switch the team into a defensive mode. Fans more than expect for this team to go to the semi-finals and even win it all. Hansi Flick and his men will be hoping to fulfill these wishes.