Barça’s Bench Sparks, Yamal Back in Action: Flick Names Elche Clash XI

Lineup reveal for Elche clash

German coach Hansi Flick announced Barcelona’s lineup for Sunday’s La Liga encounter with Elche at Montjuïc, as Round 11 tests the team’s depth and resilience.

Two familiar names, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, returned to the squad but started on the bench after recovering from injuries, signaling a cautious approach to rotation.

In attack, the triumvirate of Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Ferran Torres were entrusted with the forward line, continuing the chemistry they showed in the previous Clasico against Real Madrid, a match Barca lost 2-1.

Lineups, as announced:

Barça: lineup notes indicated a balance across defense and midfield, with fresh legs returning to support the attack and control the tempo of the game.

Elche: the visitors lined up with a structured backline and a midfield engine aimed at disrupting Barca’s rhythm and probing for quick transitions.

Barça currently sit third in La Liga with 22 points, eight behind leaders Real Madrid, highlighting the need for a win to keep pace at the top of the table.

Flick’s press conference highlights

Flick stressed that Yamal is managing a few pains but is progressing well with regular training and support from the medical staff. He downplayed talk of last season’s Clasico, insisting the focus is on this game and building momentum, not dwelling on the past.

The coach explained that Pedri’s injury was a setback, noting the squad’s need to adapt as injuries occur. He praised the players’ response in training and emphasized the importance of maintaining balance between youth development and first-team readiness.

On the topic of potential lineups for big matches, Flick suggested that a flexible approach is needed, with some players capable of adapting to multiple roles depending on the opponent and form. The overarching message was one of disciplined exploration and collective improvement.

Discussing youth prospects, Flick lauded their progress while acknowledging that returning players such as Olmo and Lewandowski are key to the team’s immediate ambitions. He stressed that the goal remains improving every player’s performance to lift the entire squad.

When asked about the Club’s injury situation, Flick accepted that injuries are part of football and that the staff must manage time and recovery to keep the squad competitive as November continues and the campaign heads toward the festive stretch.

Looking ahead to Elche, Flick highlighted the need for unity and intensity, noting that Elche play with cohesion and flair. Barca must perform as a single unit and show fans their best form to turn the corner after the Clasico.

Regarding match officials, La Liga announced Miguel Sezma as the referee for the Barcelona–Elche clash, with Pablo Gonzalez serving as the VAR official, underscoring the importance of a fair and controlled contest.

Elche’s squad list included a defensive setup with goals in mind, while Barca aims to respond positively and reassert control in La Liga after recent setback.

As the match approaches, Barça will look to climb back towards the top of the table, leveraging depth and tactical flexibility while balancing youth development with seasoned leadership. The aim is simple: win, recover confidence, and keep the title hopes alive.

Verdict to come on game day, but the message from the coach is clear: focus, patience, and a bit of that Barça magic when the moment calls for it.

And finally, two light quips to keep the mood up after a long press session: 1) If football is a game of two halves, Barca just found the middle third where the snacks are and the tactics aren’t. 2) They say victory loves preparation; apparently, Barca’s bench took that instruction quite literally, because today they’re dressed for action, not an after-dinner nap.