Hansi Flick has prepared several surprises in the starting line-up for El Clásico of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid. The German coach of FC Barcelona has once again left Iñaki Peña on the bench, even though, this time, he hasn't been late anywhere. Instead, he started with the Polish player Szczęsny, who performed brilliantly in the semifinals of the competition, just like in the Copa del Rey.
In Madrid's locker room, despite the rumors, Carlo Ancelotti didn't anticipate this change: "I didn't expect it", was heard. In any case, the Italian is clear that he can win the Super Cup despite this change, having started with a high-level attacking trio. This consists of Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Mbappé. Additionally, he has an ace up his sleeve: Jude Bellingham.
Ancelotti will put all his eggs in Bellingham's basket to try to break the offside strategy that worked so well for Hansi Flick in the last Clásico. The plan is for the Englishman to appear from behind, trying to break the defensive line, taking advantage of his great goal-scoring ability. In recent matches, he has reconnected with scoring and is performing at the highest level.
Hansi Flick: the Key to Beating Real Madrid
While Carlo Ancelotti trusts Bellingham to break Hansi Flick's strategy, the German also has his plans. This time, he starts with Gavi as an attacking midfielder, a player who always delivers in El Clásico. He hopes to exploit the defensive doubts of a Real Madrid with problems at the back.
On the flanks are Lucas Vázquez and Mendy, who are not performing at the highest level, while joining Rüdiger is the converted Tchouaméni. Hansi Flick knows it will be difficult to repeat the 0-4 of the last Clásico, but he hopes his plan works out to win his first title with Barcelona.
Both Carlo Ancelotti and Hansi Flick hope to emerge victorious from this Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, which will also have a great financial reward for the champion.
Real Madrid Vs. Barça: the Line-ups for El Clásico
- Real Madrid: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinícius; and Mbappé.
- FC Barcelona: Szczęsny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Balde; Casadó, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; and Lewandowski.