Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has finalized his starting eleven for the crucial La Liga encounter against Atletico Madrid this Sunday, opting for a lineup that has raised significant questions among the club’s supporters.
The German coach has decided to field a defensive trio consisting of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Pau Cubarsi. In a surprising move, veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to start in the pivot role, a position he has rarely occupied since joining the Catalan giants.
Further intrigue comes in attack, where Ferran Torres has been given the nod to start on the right wing. This decision comes at the expense of the in-form Lamine Yamal, who is relegated to the bench despite his impactful performances this season.
The chosen lineup represents a clear shift in tactical approach from Flick. By deploying three central defenders and positioning Gundogan as the lone defensive midfielder, the coach appears to be prioritizing solidity and control in the center of the park against a formidable Atletico side.
However, the exclusion of the 16-year-old sensation Yamal, who has been a revelation with 6 goals and 7 assists this campaign, is the major talking point. His absence from the starting grid casts a large shadow over Flick’s first major team selection for a top-tier clash.
All eyes will now be on the Metropolitano Stadium this Sunday to see if Flick’s calculated decisions can secure a vital result for Barcelona in their pursuit of the 2026 La Liga title.
