Barcelona possible starting XI against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal

“We’re going to make the impossible possible.” Under this motto, FC Barcelona have spent the past two days preparing for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Atlético de Madrid, where they must overturn a 4-0 deficit. It is clearly a monumental challenge, one that borders on the insurmountable, but at Barça nobody is giving up.

The first step will be to keep a clean sheet. For that priority objective, Hansi Flick can rely on Joan García, a goalkeeper who has kept 15 clean sheets this season. However, the circumstances will almost certainly force the German coach to leave his side more exposed than usual as they urgently chase goals. That approach could put the Catalan goalkeeper under serious pressure, especially against forwards such as Sorloth, Julián and Lookman.

No major changes are expected in defence, aside from replacing the suspended Eric García. Gerard Martín is set to partner Pau Cubarsí at centre back, with Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde on the flanks. Cancelo is another option on the left, although his chaotic and erratic style of play could prove counterproductive in a match that demands balance.

Beyond that, the rest of the line-up appears largely settled. Marc Bernal is expected to come in for Frenkie de Jong, with Pedri and Fermín completing the midfield trio. The attacking trident would feature Lamine Yamal, fresh from the first professional hat-trick of his career, alongside Ferran Torres and Raphinha. From the bench, Flick could turn to Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo or Rooney Bardghji to inject energy into the attack. He will also be without Robert Lewandowski, who is sidelined with a contusion to his left eye.

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