Gavi, Szczesny start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Real Madrid | OneFootball

The moment of reckoning is here for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona for they are just a step away from winning their first trophy of the 2024/25 season as they take on Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final later tonight.

After an amazing start to the campaign under the German tactician, who replaced Xavi Hernandez as manager, Barça saw their form fizzle out in the latter stages of 2024.

But things appear to be back on track in the new year, with the Catalans racking up two wins in two games against UD Barbastro (Copa del Rey Ro32) and Athletic Club (Super Cup semi-final).

Tonight, in Saudi Arabia, Flick & co. go to battle against their bitter rivals with a trophy on the line, having already beaten Real Madrid 4-0 once this season but knowing that a repeat of that result will not be easy to pull off.

Boosted by the availability of now re-registered Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, the Blaugrana will want to be the ones celebrating the title when the final whistle blows in Jeddah tonight.

Ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final Clasico, here’s how Flick could set his Barcelona team up as he looks for his first trophy at the club.

Defence

One of the biggest decisions Hansi Flick has on his hands with regard to team selection is the starter in goal.

Inaki Pena has done solidly in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but his tardiness cost him a starting spot for the semi-final against Athletic Club.

Wojciech Szczesny stepped up in a big way in what was only his second appearance for Barça and everything suggests that he is likely to retain his place in the goal tonight.

Third consecutive start for Szczesny. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the defensive line is unlikely to be touched as the quartet of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde should form the rearguard again and look to execute the offside trap in a faultless manner as they did in the first Clasico of the season.

Midfield

The midfield double pivot comprising Marc Casado and Pedri has been a huge success for Flick and Barcelona this season. As such, the manager is unlikely to tinker with the midfield partnership for the huge clash tonight against Real Madrid.

Casado will need to be alert to the threat of Jude Bellingham while Pedri will provide the control and creativity from the centre of the park.

Dani Olmo’s availability poses a happy headache for Flick as he has to now choose between the former RB Leipzig star and several other players like Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Frenkie de Jong.

However, Gavi is expected to start again as the central attacking midfielder after scoring in the semi-final win over Athletic Club.

Attack

The Barcelona frontline pretty much picks itself with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha starting on the wings, flanking ace goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.

Yamal and Raphinha were integral to Barça’s 4-0 Clasico win earlier this season at the Santiago Bernabeu, as they ran the Real Madrid full-backs ragged. Flick & co. will hope to see a repeat of the display from the wingers again tonight.