title: Barça's Flick Unveils Surprising Lineup for Super Cup Clash Against Real Madrid
Barça boss Hansi Flick is set to field the same squad that ousted Athletic Club 2-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, taking on fierce rivals Real Madrid in the final for the third year running. This decision, however, necessitates crucial choices in the goalkeeping and midfield departments for Flick, who emphasized his experience in presiding over numerous finals.
Addressing the media prior to the match, the German coach highlighted the importance of this encounter, stating, "It's a tremendous game, it's the Super Cup. If we win, we'll carry immense confidence for the rest of the season. Conquering this fixture is of significant importance to everyone involved."
Despite a recent fallout in La Liga, where Barça squandered a six-point advantage they had acquired following the victorious semifinal match, Flick urged his side to emulate their exceptional performance in a 4-0 rout of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in October. "We can't compare the two scenarios, but we'll attempt to exhibit top form again," he declared, acknowledging Madrid's status as one of the world's finest teams.
To achieve victory, Flick emphasized the need to play quickly and with greater intensity than they did against Athletic Club. "Real Madrid are masters of managing games and exploiting opportunities, so we must perform better to keep their strengths in check," he added, refraining from confirming whether Inaki Pena would be dropped once again following his late arrival fine in the previous outing.
Instead, Flick opted to name Szczesny as his goalkeeper and field a backline comprising Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Jules Kounde. These selections mean that Ronald Araujo remains overlooked, with speculation circulating that he has informed his teammates he will not renew his contract and instead opt for a move to Juventus. Furthermore, he allegedly expressed a desire to bypass Los Blancos in the final.
Regarding the midfield, Flick remained non-committal about whether he would choose Gavi or the recently cleared Dani Olmo for the remainder of the season. He did indicate, however, that Gavi is set to start, operating as the most advanced midfielder ahead of Pedri and Marc Casado while being flanked by wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Lewandowski retained his position as the lone striker.
Confirming the team selection for the Spanish Super Cup final, Flick announced the following XI for Barça: Szczesny; Balde, Inigo, Cubarsi, Kounde; Pedri, Casado; Raphinha, Gavi, Lamine; Lewandowski.
FC Barcelona's Lineup in the 2023 Spanish Super Cup Final
Inaki Pena: GoalkeeperKounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde: DefendersCasado, Pedri: MidfieldersLamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha: ForwardsLewandowski: Striker
Recent Developments Regarding Ronald Araujo's Contract and His Desire to Face Real Madrid
Ronald Araujo has been going through contract negotiations with Barça, and there's a possibility of him leaving the club this transfer window. Despite his potential move, Araujo returned from injury to take part in the Supercopa semifinal against Athletic Club.
Araujo addressed a delicate situation with Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, who are not registered to compete due to registration issues. He expressed his disappointment, stating, "It's left a sour taste in our mouths because they are our teammates..." and hoping for a resolution to the issue.
Given these circumstances, it was uncertain whether Araujo would be involved in the final against Real Madrid at the time of the semi-final, but he was a potential option for Flick to consider.
- Hansi Flick's decision to stick with the same squad that advanced to the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid once again means Raphinha and Gavi will be key figures in el Clásico.
- In the midfield department, Flick has to choose between Gavi and Dani Olmo, with the former expected to start against Real Madrid, joining Raphinha and Lamine Yamal on the wings.
- Regarding the goalkeeping position, Szczesny has been chosen to face Robert Lewandowski's rivals in the Spanish Super Cup final, with Ronald Araujo not included in the starting lineup due to contract negotiations and speculation of a move to Juventus.
- Flick's strategy for conquering el Clásico involves playing with more intensity and quickly, aiming to limit Real Madrid's strengths and take advantage of their weaknesses, similar to the 4-0 victory in October.
