Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has introduced two adjustments to his squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atlético Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.
Two Squad Changes: How Flick Prepares Barça for Atlético Rematch
The German tactician has named Diego Kochen as the third-choice goalkeeper instead of Inaki Pena He also calls up defender Álvaro Cortés to the traveling squad, according to Mundo Deportivo.
These changes come compared to the lineup that faced the same opponent in La Liga last Saturday, where Barcelona secured a confidence-boosting 2–1 away victory.
Flick must cope without several regulars. Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Bernal, and Christensen all miss out—absences that the club had already anticipated.
However, positive news arrives with the return of Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, both available after featuring in the weekend win. Koundé looks certain to start on the right flank.
On the left, Joao Cancelo and Balde compete for the spot. Cancelo impressed against Atlético in the league, while Balde continues to enjoy Flick’s consistent trust.
Ronald Araújo has recovered full fitness despite exiting the last match with muscular fatigue.
Still, a return to the starting eleven appears difficult given Koundé’s readiness and the stable centre-back partnership of Cubarsí and Gerard Martín.
The fiercest competition unfolds in midfield. Flick may deploy Eric García alongside Pedri and Fermín to counter Atletico’s powerful double pivot led by Koke—especially Marcos Llorente, who missed the league meeting through suspension.
Up front, Robert Lewandowski leads the line on big nights. Lamine Yamal and Rashford—who replaced Raphinha at the Metropolitano and scored—support him.
Barcelona’s delegation arrived at the Torre Melina Gran Meliá hotel after 1 p.m. local time.
The team will head to Spotify Camp Nou roughly two hours before kick-off. Barça faces Atlético again next Tuesday at the Metropolitano for the second leg.
