Ter Stegen’s Return: Barca Name a Capable XI to Tackle Guadalajara in Copa del Rey
16 December 2025
Ter Stegen Returns to Goal as Barca Face Guadalajara
Barcelona head coach Hans Flick unveiled the starting XI for the Copa del Rey opener against Guadalajara, with a notable comeback in goal for Ter Stegen, returning after an ACL injury sustained in May.
He also handed Marc Casado a right-back role to rest Jules Koundé, who started on the bench. Flick kept Lamine Yamal as the creative hub, with Fermin Lopez leading the line, Ronny on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left.
Barcelona's starting lineup featured Ter Stegen, Casado, Eric Garcia, Christensen, and other familiar names including Frenkie de Jong and Yamal as the playmaker, with Rony and Rashford on the wings. The Guadalajara starting XI included Vicente, Sira, Albanki, Casado, Martinez, Moreno, Mayo, Rojo, Ramirez, Kanizo, and Diaz.
The emphasis was clear: a return, a rest, and a plan that aims to silence critics.
Punchline 1: Flick's plan is so precise you could set your watch by the tactical changes.
Punchline 2: If the scoreboard had a sense of humor, it would print 'Goal' after every touch.
