Barcelona are preparing for the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid with a stability and confidence that was missing just a few months ago.
According to El Larguero, head coach Hansi Flick decided to largely trust the starting lineup that defeated Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the semi-finals.
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The plan is not without minor tweaks, however. Flick is expected to make only one change to the lineup, with Lamine Yamal replacing Rooney Badji on the right wing.
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Compared with the last El Clasico between the two sides, the background of this upcoming final is completely different.
On October 26, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Barcelona narrowly defeated 1-2, exposing their limitations at the time.
That game was played under extremely difficult circumstances, with Barcelona missing as many as seven key players and Flick not even on the bench.
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The team came into the game weakened both physically and mentally, and the results reflected that reality.
Fast forward to now and things have changed dramatically. Barcelona have experienced a clear transformation both in terms of performance levels and squad availability.
Lamine Yamar will replace Rooney Badji against Real Madrid. (Photo by Judit Katir/Getty Images)
Injured players are returning one after another, and competition for spots has become more intense. This evolution is also reflected in their domestic forms Blaugrana Excellent performance in La Liga.
Since defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona has won nine league games to stay top of the table and restore confidence in its squad.
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no experiment
Despite these advances, Frick chose to abandon unnecessary experiments.
The backline consists of Jules Kounde, Paulo Cubas, Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde, with the back four showing a balance between solidity and offensive support.
In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will act as a double pivot, providing control, creativity and composure.
Ahead of them, Raphinha is expected to operate as an attacking midfielder, linking up play and pressing high.
On the wings, Marcus Rashford and Yamar will provide pace and direct threat, while Ferran Torres will lead the defense as a centre-forward.