German coach HansiFlick presented a more powerful lineup with greater “firepower” for the first Clásico of the season, facing Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. Barça's starting eleven was confirmed with the defense they had used against PSG and with Rodri's average, while the forward line was reinforced with Lamine, Fermín, Gordon and Raphinha, leaving Adeyemi on the bench.
Flick's plan is based on the experience of the defense that showed its solidity against PSG, and on the need to cover the absences of Eric García and Koundé. Therefore, it was decided to keep Cancelo on the left and move Xavi Espart, who had played on the left wing, to the right to balance the defensive line. The center backs remain with the duo Cubarsí–Gerard Martín, and the midfield relies on the double pivot of Rodri and Pedri, who continues to be the creative engine of the team.
Up front, Lamine remains the most reliable player, with ten goals and ten assists on the season. Fermín contributes five goals and three assists, while Gordon and Raphinha add two goals with four assists and fourteen goals with three assists, respectively. The attacking midfield is covered by Fermín, who returns to his usual position after Olmo's absence, and Gordon, who remains the preferred option on the left wing. Adeyemi, although he was on the list, was left on the bench, as Flick prefers to rely on more experienced players when the score is in favor.
The bench includes goalkeepers Szczęsny and Livaković, defenders Balde and Alex Campos, midfielders Bernal, Brian Fariñas, Orian Goren, DeJong and Gavi, and forwards Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus. The selection of players reflects Flick's confidence in the team's defensive solidity and offensive ability.
With this lineup, Barça seeks to take advantage of the experience and power of its squad to beat Real Madrid in the Clásico. The result will depend on the effectiveness of the defense and the ability of the forwards to convert the opportunities created by the midfield. The next match will be decisive for Barça's position in the table and its aspiration for the Champions League.