FC Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Lineup: Flick Makes a Bold Decision.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is set to make a bold decision by reintroducing Inigo Martinez directly into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg clash against Borussia Dortmund.
The Basque defender missed Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Real Betis due to a minor injury sustained during the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid, which set up a thrilling final against Real Madrid. However, reports on Monday confirmed that Inigo had returned to full training with the team and was in contention for selection.
The big question was whether Flick would take the gamble and throw the veteran straight back into the action. As it turns out, the German coach will do just that, pairing Inigo with Pau Cubarsi in the heart of defense.
Wojciech Szczesny will obviously start in goal, with Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde occupying the left and right flanks of the backline, respectively.
With Marc Casado sidelined for the rest of the season, the midfield remains unchanged, with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong anchoring the midfield duo. Ahead of them, Raphinha, who Flick insists is fine despite his outburst over the weekend, will feature alongside Gavi, who recently hit back at critics, and the prodigious Lamine Yamal, who could have arguably been given rest against Betis.
Up front, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line as the lone striker, facing off against the club he made his name with in this competition more than a decade ago.
Flick also has a personal connection with Dortmund, as their coach, Nico Kovac, is a former colleague of his.
“I’m not sure if it’s good to have worked with Kovac,” Flick admitted in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “I know things about him, but we have to be prepared. I have a lot of respect for him, he’s a very good person, and I’m excited to see him tomorrow.”
Given both teams’ attacking styles, fans can expect a thrilling goalfest at Montjuic, which promises to be one of the standout matches of the Champions League quarterfinals.
FC Barcelona Starting XI vs. Borussia Dortmund:
Szczesny; Balde, Inigo, Cubarsi, Kounde; Pedri, De Jong; Raphinha, Gavi, Lamine; Lewandowski
