FC Barcelona is gearing up for a critical match against CD Guadalajara, a club competing in the Primera Federación. Despite the disparity in league status, coach Hansi Flick is not taking any chances and has summoned his key players for the encounter. Although most of them are expected to sit on the bench, they will be available should the need arise. Notably, the unexpected inclusion of Joan Garcia in the squad, although understandable as it involves taking all available players, has caught attention.
Flick is particularly wary of Guadalajara, recognizing the competitiveness of the Primera Federación, a reality he faced last season when Barça Atlètic experienced relegation. Although Guadalajara currently finds itself in the relegation zone, Flick emphasizes that complacency is not an option in a knockout match where the outcome is determined in a single clash held at the lower-division team’s home ground, Pedro Escartín.
The team will be missing key players Araujo, Gavi, and Olmo, but Robert Lewandowski has recovered from a previous injury and is set to participate. The goalkeeping situation features a surprise element as well; Joan Garcia has made the final list even though he won’t start. The competition for the starting position remains between Szczesny and Ter Stegen, with Garcia waiting in the wings—a scenario Flick highlighted in his pre-match press conference.
Flick’s message to the team is clear: maintain high concentration for the remaining matches of the year, even when facing a less formidable opponent in the Cup. He aims to avoid any unexpected outcomes in what is crucial in their calendar.
The lineup will reflect a blend of first-team and youth players as Barcelona prepares for this pivotal encounter, setting the stage for the last match of the year in La Liga against Villarreal at La Cerámica on Sunday.
Goalkeepers: Szczesny, Ter Stegen, and Joan Garcia
Defenders: Koundé, Christensen, Gerard Martín, Jofre, Balde, and Cubarsí
Midfielders: Casadó, De Jong, Fermín, Eric Garcia, Bernal, Tommy Marqués, Dro, and Pedri
Forwards: Roony, Rashford, Ferran Torres, Lamine, Lewandowski, and Raphinha
Barcelona’s determination to blend their experience and youth indicates a strategic approach aimed at navigating through this challenging match and closing the year on a strong note.