Following Barcelona’s recent defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, coach Hansi Flick is faced with a strategic decision ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga derby against Espanyol.
With the reigning champions holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid at the summit of the table, Flick may be inclined to make significant changes ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal return leg against Atletico, in which they find themselves trailing 2-0.
Real Madrid, managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, will host Girona on Friday and could reduce the gap to four points with a win, further complicating Flick’s selection choices.
The Los Blancos are also dealing with their own challenges after a 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but they have a greater time cushion before their second leg in Germany next Wednesday.
“We also have a derby in three days on Saturday, and it’s crucial for us to secure a win,” said Flick.
“We will assess everything and consider our options.”
A worst-case scenario for Barcelona would see them suffer their first domestic defeat at Camp Nou since its reopening, followed by elimination from the Champions League in the Spanish capital.
With the league Clasico against Real Madrid looming on May 10, Flick is keen to preserve Barcelona’s lead, but the Champions League may take precedence.
Some players who have seen limited action this season, such as Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado, and Roony Bardghji, might see playtime against a struggling Espanyol side.
Manolo Gonzalez’s team had an impressive start to the season, yet they have not managed a win in 2026, which began with a 2-0 home loss to Barcelona that initiated their decline.
Midfielder Pedri is a key asset for Barcelona but was substituted at half-time in the defeat to Atletico due to a minor physical issue.
“Pedri experienced some issues. Nothing serious, but given the context, we need him moving forward – hence the decision to take him off,” Flick explained.
Flick hopes to have midfielder Frenkie de Jong back for the second leg against Atletico, as the Dutchman returned to training this week after a hamstring injury.
De Jong could potentially be included in the squad to face Espanyol, while Barcelona can also take heart from Gavi’s substitute performance against Atletico.
“Gavi had a fantastic game,” Flick noted, which may lead to more minutes for the 21-year-old as he builds back fitness following a lengthy injury layoff.
Atletico Madrid will be visiting Sevilla on Saturday, and coach Diego Simeone is likely to rest some key players.
Simeone has shifted his focus to cup competitions in recent weeks, with his team currently sitting fourth in La Liga, unlikely to drop lower with Real Betis trailing by 12 points in fifth.
Mallorca’s Kosovan target man, Muriqi, scored a crucial goal last week, helping his team overcome Real Madrid and improving their chances of avoiding relegation. With 19 goals this season, he sits just behind La Liga’s top scorer Kylian Mbappe and will aim to add to his tally against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in another vital encounter.
Key Stats
0 – shots on target for struggling Sevilla last weekend against Real Oviedo.
12 – no goalkeeper has more clean sheets than Barcelona’s Joan Garcia.
58 – fouls committed by Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu, the most in the top flight.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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