Hansi Flick has the opportunity to win his first silverware with Barcelona tomorrow. A clash between the two rivals will determine the Super Copa de Espana champions for 2025. The last time the two sides met Hansi Flick outclassed Carlo Ancelloti in a 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu.
How is Madrid Expected to line up?
This time, Carlo Ancelloti will want to find better answers to Flick’s tactics. Mbappe and Vinicius struggled to escape Barcelona’s offside trap where several goals were disallowed for Los Blancos. Eder Militao and Daniel Carvajal are two key players unavailable for Carlo Ancelloti. Lucas Vasquez will probably start as the right-back, and the young Raul Asencio hopes to fill in for Militao. In my opinion, it would be naive of Ancelloti to not start at least either Arda Guler or Luka Modric. These are the only 2 midfielders in the Los Blancos squad who can play precise through balls for the runs of Vinicius and Mbappe.
What should Hansi Flick change to get the same result?
Hansi Flick will have to make some amends to his lineup to ensure he gets a similar result to what he had in the Bernabeu. Dani Olmo due to his registration saga has not been able to get any minutes and in his absence, Gavi has cemented his place in the starting 11. A masterclass against Athletic Bilbao has increased his possibility of starting in the El Classico even when Dani Olmo is available.
Another candidate likely to replace a player from the previous lineup is the Polish goalkeeper Wojciech SzczÄsny. Two games, two clean sheets, and solid performances will likely make him the favourite to start ahead of Inaki Pena. He also has the experience and ego to face a foe like Real Madrid.
The ideal tactical plan for Flick
I think Gavi should take a similar position to what he had under Xavi in the 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Super Copa de Espana. He should play on the left where he can compensate for the lack of width that Raphinha’s playing style will have as he plays as an inside forward.
Pedri and Casado will provide Control and creativity in the midfield as well as defensive solidity. Pedri will be key in this match as his ability to help in defense and also retain possession under high pressure from the traditional pressing by Los Blancos. If he succeeds in performing as he did against the other Madrid side of Diego Simeone, chances will rain for the Barcelona forwards.
However, Raphinha and Lewandowski will need to be clinical in finishing those chances. Lamine Yamal can provide unpredictability and break chaos in the Madrid defense. His Partnership with Kounde can catch Mendy off guard and create chances for the Blaugrana. It is a must-win game for Hansi Flick’s side particularly after the disappointing results in La Liga to gain the confidence of the players and give fans the much-needed joy.
