Barcelona confirmed starting XI against Espanyol in LaLiga
Hansi Flick could field an unprecedented starting eleven against Espanyol, resting several key players.
This Saturday’s derby is being treated as something of a stopgap for the Blaugrana, particularly with a do-or-die Champions League clash just three days later, the club’s main objective this season, as Hansi Flick himself has acknowledged.
With that context in mind, the starting XI the German coach fields against Espanyol is features heavy rotation across almost every position. Joan García keeps his place to start.
In defence, Ronald Araújo comes in alongside Gerard Martín, while Alejandro Balde plays instead of João Cancelo. Pau Cubarsí was a guaranteed starter after missing the first leg at the Metropolitano through suspension following a straight red card.
Eric and Fermín López both start in the middle of the pitch. However, the surprise of the night is that Pedri, who came off at half-time against Atlético, starts the game.
In attack, the main doubt surrounded Lamine Yamal’s involvement; in the end, both he and Ferran Torres play up front.
Swedish youngster Roony Bardghji was tipped to start; in the end, Flick has gone for Gavi for added bite.
🚨 ¡Ya tenemos XI de Barça para el derbi contra el Espanyol!
— Diario AS (@diarioas) April 11, 2026
👉 Flick rota, pero mantiene a Pedri y Lamine como titulares#BarçaEspanyol #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/9KTiDIpyZd
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