Barça has a key clash against Leganés in the fight for LaLiga. The Madrid team managed to win at Montjuïc, and they present themselves as a tough team in the direct clash. Hansi Flick has been clear from the start: rotations, the minimum.
In fact, his starting eleven has made it clear. Among others, the presence of Íñigo Martínez has been surprising. He knows the message firsthand.
Hansi Flick warns Íñigo Martínez for Dortmund
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that the Basque center-back, starting against Leganés, already knows it from Hansi Flick himself. He won't be in the starting line-up against Dortmund and the reason is clear. He is a very important member for Barça and risks missing the possible first leg of the semifinals if he receives a yellow card.
This is why the German rested him in the final minutes of the first leg of the quarterfinals at Montjuïc. If he receives one more yellow card, he would miss the next match.
The good news for Íñigo Martínez is that the yellow cards are cleared once they qualify for the semifinals. So, he would enter the knockout stage clean.
In this regard, what Hansi Flick is clear about for Dortmund is that, if there are no setbacks, the pair of center-backs will be formed by Ronald Araújo and Cubarsí. Meanwhile, the full-backs will be Koundé and Balde, who do not rest.
Íñigo Martínez: A key center-back for Hansi Flick
The Basque defender has proven to be a key piece in the defensive scheme of Barça since his arrival. With his experience in La Liga and his competitive nature, he has brought solidity, leadership, and maturity to a defense that has sometimes lacked consistency. Moreover, his profile as a left-footed center-back balances the defensive line and offers important tactical options to Hansi Flick.
Beyond his technical qualities, Íñigo Martínez also stands out for his undeniable commitment and unbelievable winning mentality. In a locker room with a mix of young talents and established figures, his role as a veteran helps to unite the group and instill a culture of effort and responsibility.
At 33 years old, he is experiencing a second youth at Barça. Against Leganés, he will play his 39th match of the season, having scored three goals and provided five assists.