"There was an ominous feeling going into the match. With Raphinha, Pedri, and Marcus Rashford all out, there was a growing selection headache for Hansi Flick. New-look Atletico Madrid announced in the quarter-finals that they had come to compete for the trophy after trouncing Real Betis 5-0, in what was new signing Ademola Lookman's first game. Finally, the Metropolitano pitch was in the headlines for being professionally unplayable, after none other than captain Koke criticized the condition of his home field."
"So now Flick had a big decision to make. Far from his preferred starting eleven were available. The biggest decisions were who would fill in for Rashford on the left flank, and who would play in the double pivot. Dani Olmo, the utility man that he is, could be a stand in at both positions. In the end, he got the start on the forward line."
Barcelona suffered from significant absences, with Raphinha, Pedri, Gavi, and Marcus Rashford missing and causing selection dilemmas. Hansi Flick faced a depleted squad and had to choose replacements for the left wing and the double pivot. Atletico Madrid arrived in strong form after a 5-0 win featuring new signing Ademola Lookman. The Metropolitano pitch drew criticism from captain Koke for being professionally unplayable. Dani Olmo started on the forward line as a utility option. Marc Casado was selected over Marc Bernal and was substituted at 37 minutes. The Copa del Rey defeat exposes squad depth and tactical vulnerabilities.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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