What is Barcelona XI for Atlético Madrid Champions League quarterfinal 2nd leg?

Hansi Flick’s starting XI for Tuesday’s second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal at the Metropolitano against Atlético Madrid still has several question marks.

For starters, in the front three, only Lamine Yamal is guaranteed a place. The teenager is expected to be the main attraction in the tie, with much of the Barcelona fan base pinning its hopes on him to help deliver the kind of feat that would send the team through to the Champions League semifinals. The other two spots are still up for grabs, with Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford, Gavi and even Dani Olmo all in contention. The No. 9 role appears to be between Ferran and Lewandowski, although Ferran’s brace in Saturday’s derby may sway Flick’s final decision, while on the left wing Gavi could get the nod again ahead of the English forward.

In midfield, two players look certain to start: Pedri and Fermín. The biggest doubt is in the holding role, largely because of Frenkie de Jong’s condition after he played 10 minutes on Saturday. If the Dutchman is fully fit, all signs point to him being in the lineup from the outset.

There are fewer doubts in goal and defense, where everything appears far more settled. Joan García is expected to start between the posts, with the priority of keeping a clean sheet – something he has already done 14 times this season, though never in the Champions League – while Jules Koundé and João Cancelo should come into the side at fullback after being rested in the derby. Eric García and Gerard Martín are set to partner each other in central defense, with the latter having recovered from a minor issue with his right ankle picked up in the derby. It is also worth remembering that Pau Cubarsí’s absence, after the straight red card he saw in the first leg, leaves the German coach with little room to maneuver. Ronald Araújo is on standby in case of any setback, as is Alejandro Balde, who made his first start since injury in the derby.

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