When Flick Goes for the Kill: Barcelona's Bold Attack After Yamal Injury in La Liga Showdown

Match Preview

Barcelona coach Hans Flick unveiled a bold starting XI for the visit to Sevilla in La Liga, aiming to translate recent energy from Europe into a domestic statement.

With rising star Lamine Yamal sidelined due to a groin issue, Flick leaned on all attacking options to compensate, while reshaping both the defense and the forward line to maintain pace and pressure.

Two changes were made from the side that faced Paris Saint-Germain in Europe, touching both the back line and the attack as Flick seeks balance against a stubborn Sevilla outfit.

In the back, Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo returned to the starting lineup in place of Eric Garcia, with Jules Kounde continuing in his touch and youngster Gerard Martin tasked with the left flank.

Midfield remains anchored by Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, with Pedri extending his run of starts to ten straight matches, as the Dutchman edges toward a contract extension with the club.

Up front, Flick handed Ferran Torres the role on the right to cover for Yamal, while Marcus Rashford stayed on the left and Dani Olmo operated behind the Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been in form after a goal against Real Sociedad.

Here is how Barcelona lined up for the game: goalkeeper Szczesny; defense: Conde, Araujo, Koparci, Gerard Martin; midfield: De Jong, Pedri, Olmo; attack: Ferran Torres, Rashford, Lewandowski. The substitutes on the bench included Koshnín, Edin Ali, Baldi, Christensen, Eric Garcia, Casado, Dro, and Toni Fernandez.

Yamal’s absence leaves questions about the winger’s return, with Flick noting the youngster is not yet ready and a careful, gradual comeback is planned to protect his long-term development. He added that the exact return date remains unclear, possibly two to four weeks, and that a Clasico appearance is not guaranteed.

Flick also addressed the recent political storm with Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente, saying the issue is in the past and his priority remains protecting his players and focusing on the present and future. He emphasized that international duty is positive but demands smart minutes management to avoid burning players out.

On the Sevilla side, Matías Almeyda opted for a balanced approach that blends defensive solidity with the intent to press Barcelona higher up the pitch. The starting XI featured a compact back line and a trio in midfield designed to control tempo and choke passing lanes, with Alexis Sanchez, Vargas and Izak providing front-line threat alongside a pace-driven midfield setup.

Sevilla’s goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos starts behind a defense that includes Juanlu Carmona, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcao, and Suso; in midfield, Papí Mendy, Elisha Akomye, and Sidi So form a robust engine room aimed at breaking Barcelona’s rhythm. Up front, Alexis Sanchez, Vargas, and Izak aim to exploit any gaps behind Barca’s defense.

The coaches’ exchanges in the lead-up to kickoff underscored how tactical shifts can redefine a game, especially when injuries force adjustments and every point matters in a tightly contested La Liga race.

Punchline time: Flick’s plan is so precise, even the tactic board is wearing a tuxedo and taking notes. Punchline two: If Barca score early, the ball might file for overtime just to savor the moment a little longer.