The Barça season has reached a crucial point at perhaps the worst possible time for the Catalans. Hansi Flick’s side are struggling defensively, conceding too many goals, which has seen them knocked out of the Champions League and fighting an uphill battle in their last few domestic games. Now El Clásico is coming up and it’s time to settle the LaLiga title.
One of the games marked in red on the calendar, El Clásico, comes at a difficult time for the Azulgranas, who are still reeling from their elimination from the Champions League. In the first leg at Montjuic, it was already clear that beating Inter would not be an easy task. The game quickly went awry and the team from Barcelona had to fight against the tide at all times against Inter Milan, finally ending with a 3-3 score that leaves everything open for San Siro and with the only option of winning to be in contention for glory.
With the match at the Guiseppe Meazza in mind, Hansi Flick took a big risk in his league game against Real Valladolid at Zorrilla. Massive rotations resulted in an unrecognizable starting eleven in which the only undisputed starter was Pedri. The first half was not good and the white and violets went into the break ahead. In the second half, Raphinha appeared to equalize and Fermín completed the comeback, maintaining their four-point lead over Real Madrid.
Flick rested players for a match that was completely crazy and ended in drama. It didn’t start well, with Inter striking first to go into the break 2-0 up. Barça had to fight back again, and they did so, turning the score around to 2-3 with goals from Eric García, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha. They were within touching distance of the final, but with three minutes to go, the Italians managed to equalize and force extra time, from which they ultimately emerged victorious.
With the emotional and physical hangover now behind them, they face the La Liga clash against Real Madrid, with the league title at stake. The Azulgranas go into matchday 35 with a four-point lead over the Whites. A win would extend their lead to seven points + goal difference, which would leave LaLiga all but decided with nine points to play for. In addition, Barça have the challenge of winning all their games against Real Madrid, having won the other three they have played this season: La Liga, Super Cup and Copa del Rey.
Barça’s absences and doubts
After 120 tough minutes against Inter, some players came out injured, but they have recovered since Tuesday. Jules Koundé, Pablo Torre, and Marc Bernal are out with injuries. Casadó could be included in the squad after months out, and Balde has pushed hard to be fit for the game, although it is unclear whether he will start or come off the bench. Flick has the same dilemma in attack. Lewandowski returned to the pitch against Milan and could start, or the coach could opt to continue with Ferran and not push the Pole too hard. There are no doubts in goal, where Flick has already made it clear that Szczesny will play.
Possible Barça XI
Goalkeeper: Szczesny
Defenders: Gerard Martín, Iñigo, Cubarsí, Eric
Midfielders: De Jong, Pedri, Fermín
Forwards: Raphinha, Lewandowski, Lamine