According to reports, just days before the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Hans-Dieter Flick has a clear idea of his tactics and starting lineup for the match. The players selected for the game against Mallorca provide clear indications of the German coach’s plans for the encounter with Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

In defense, resting Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, and Gerard Martín (who played the last 30 minutes against Mallorca) suggests they will start alongside Iñigo Martínez, who is in excellent form. This defensive line is Flick’s choice for the final, except for Alejandro Balde, who will be absent due to injury.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong has been left out of the central midfield position, which seems to secure his place alongside Pedri, who rarely misses a game. Gavi, compared to the lineup in the previous match against Mallorca, is likely to be the player sacrificed due to Flick’s decisions.

In the attacking midfield position, there are more questions. Dani Olmo, after returning to the starting lineup against Mallorca, played a key role by scoring the opening goal. Following his injury, he played 4 minutes in the return leg against Dortmund, 31 minutes against Celta Vigo, and contributed with a goal. His progress is evident as he heads into the final, but the substitution of Fermín López, who performed well against Mallorca, may indicate his retention for the final.

In the forward line, there is little doubt: Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who was benched against Mallorca, will play on the wings. Ferran Torres has been used as the number 9 in the Copa del Rey, and with Robert Lewandowski injured, this trend is unlikely to change. However, there is also the possibility of using Olmo as a false 9, a role he previously played against Betis in the Copa del Rey.