FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make three big changes to his line up when the Catalans … [+] host Real Betis in Montjuic for a Copa del Rey last 16 clash on Wednesday.
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FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make five big changes to his line up when the Catalans host Real Betis in Montjuic for a Copa del Rey last 16 clash on Wednesday.
The Blaugrana is on a high after thrashing its bitter rival Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup title at the weekend, with Flick therefore sealing his first piece of silverware in the Barca dugout since taking over the reins from fired predecessor Xavi Hernandez last summer.
At a prematch press conference, where he discussed the situations involving potential exits for Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati in the ongoing winter transfer window, Flick demanded that his men show the same level at its Andalusian guest’s expense “with the same attitude” while being “just as focused”.
“We are prepared and we want to win it, every pass, every race… Betis is a very good and very aggressive team, and we have to show that we are one of the best,” he demanded.
The first alteration Flick has to perform to his side involves bringing goalkeeper Inaki Pena back into the fold.
Signed as backup at the start of October when Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a season-ending injury, Wojciech Szczesny was only handed his debut in 2024/2025 at the turn of the year for Barca’s 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Barbastro.
Pena’s failure to report for duty at an agreed time for the squad in Saudi Arabia meant that the Pole got the nod for the 2-0 Spanish Super Cup semifinal victory against Athletic Club and then the mentioned final showdown with Madrid.
Because ‘Tek’, as he is known in the locker room, was sent off for bringing down Kylian Mbappe in the second half of El Clasico, though, he can’t face Betis meaning Pena is back in the starting XI.
There are changes in defense too, because of Inigo Martinez tearing his right hamstring.
Araujo takes his place to partner Pau Cubarsi, while Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin are the right and left backs.
In midfield, we will enjoy a pivot partnership Pedri and Frenkie de Jong behind CAM Gavi at the expense of Marc Casado.
An attacking trident considered to be the best in world football – of left and right wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal plus striker Lewandowski – is broken up.
While the widemen maintain their berths, Robert Lewandowski sits this one out for Dani Olmo to be the centre forward on paper.
