Barcelona starting XI for El Clásico against Real Madrid

Hansi Flick is usually guarded when it comes to revealing his starting lineup, but this time he made no attempt to hide the fact that Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde will not start. The Polish striker returned from a hamstring injury in record time – just two weeks – and played a few minutes in Milan on Tuesday, though he was still short of full fitness. As for Balde, the young left-back was cleared to play on Saturday but had already been expected to be available only for the second leg of the Champions League semifinals.

Flick to repeat UCL team for Clásico

With Lewandowski and Balde both ruled out, all signs point to Flick sticking with the same starting XI that he fielded on Tuesday against Inter – a side that came within two minutes of reaching the final in Munich.

That means Wojciech Szczesny will remain in goal, as Flick confirmed once again. Eric García will line up at right back, with Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez in central defense, and Gerard Martín taking the left flank. Martín deserves special mention: after a string of shaky performances – in the Copa del Rey final and the first leg of the Champions League semifinal – he has responded with poise and conviction, earning the German coach’s trust. His showing in Milan, which included two assists, stood out in particular.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is expected to anchor the play in the holding role, with Pedri and Dani Olmo offering support. The latter could still be replaced at the last minute by Fermín, but for now it looks like the Terrassa native will get the nod.

And up front, with Flick confirming that Lewandowski isn’t yet ready to start, the attacking trio is locked in: Lamine Yamal – the breakout star of the moment – on the right, Ferran Torres through the middle, and Madrid’s scourge Raphinha on the left.

Predicted Barcelona XI vs Real Madrid XI: Szczesny, García, Cubarsí, Martínez, Martín, De Jong, Pedri, Olmo, Yamal, Torres, Raphinha.

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