Barcelona starting XI against Real Madrid in the Super Cup final

Hansi Flick is set to field almost the same lineup that wiped Athletic Club off the map in the Super Cup semifinals (5–0). The only expected change is the inclusion of Lamine Yamal, now fully recovered from the illness that kept him out of Wednesday’s starting XI, at the expense of Ronny Bardghji on the right flank. Even so, Bardghji will leave Saudi Arabia with personal satisfaction, having already been assigned a first-team squad number – No. 19.

The rest of the XI is expected to remain unchanged, with the only real question being who Flick chooses to lead the line. In recent games, Ferran Torres has won that battle, although it cannot be ruled out that the German coach decides to reward Robert Lewandowski, given his strong track record in Super Cup finals, where he has always found the net.

It is also expected that Eric García will continue at center back alongside Pau Cubarsí, a pairing that would allow Flick to deploy Frenkie de Jong as the defensive midfielder. He would share the midfield with Pedri and Fermín López, the latter operating as an attacking midfielder.

At fullback, everything points to Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde starting, although both will clearly have extra work on their hands trying to contain the forward runs of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, respectively.

Raphinha, meanwhile, stands out as the team’s undisputed leader and all-around catalyst. It is worth remembering that the Brazilian was one of the most notable absences in the last Clásico in LaLiga due to a hamstring relapse – an absence the team ultimately paid for with their first defeat to Real Madrid since Flick took over on the bench.

Nor should Joan García be overlooked. He will play his first Clásico this Sunday, having missed the game at the Bernabéu due to a meniscus injury that required surgery. The goalkeeper will have the chance to go head-to-head with Thibaut Courtois between the posts – widely regarded today as two of the best goalkeepers in the world.

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