The One-Position Dubious Pivot That Could Decide Barcelona's Copa del Rey Semi-Final Against Atlético Madrid
12 February 2026
Lineup uncertainties ahead of Copa del Rey semi final
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick declined to reveal the starting XI for tonight's first leg against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi final, keeping fans guessing until kickoff.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the pre-match training saw several formations tested, with Flick needing to solve a problem at the left wing after injuries to Rafinha and Marcus Rashford left that spot open for Madrid.
It appears Juan Garcia will be the goalkeeper, and the back line remains largely settled.
In a setup Flick praised in the press conference for focus, he may deploy De Jong in midfield alongside Bernal and Fermín López, while Alejandro Balde is favored at left back.
In one training session at Camp Tito Vilanova, De Jong played in midfield with Bernal and Fermín López, leaving Dani Olmo on the left wing.
As for the attack, Ferran Torres is the frontrunner for the central striker role and competes with Lewandowski, while Lamine Yamal remains an assured starter. The predicted Barcelona lineup reads as follows: Juan Garcia, Conde, Eric Garcia, Pau Kobarci, Balde, De Jong, Bernal, Fermín López, Olmo, Yamal, Torres.
It promises a tactical chess match, with injuries shaping the options Flick has at his disposal and a test of Barca's depth in attack.
Sniper-style punchline 1: If this lineup were a sniper's shot, the left wing would be the one truly missing in action—talk about aiming for a moving target.
Sniper-style punchline 2: And if you think this is all suspense, wait for the post-match press conference where the lineup drama gets a sequel and a cliffhanger—brought to you by Barca’s tactical department.
