Xavi bets on the four midfielders against Madrid

He had said that he was committed to Cruyffism and with his lineup Xavi opted to try to capture the Barça DNA, that of control and possession.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
13 January 2024 Saturday 21:21
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Xavi bets on the four midfielders against Madrid

He had said that he was committed to Cruyffism and with his lineup Xavi opted to try to capture the Barça DNA, that of control and possession. To do this, the Barcelona coach varies the system of recent weeks and introduces a core line with four midfielders: De Jong, Gündogan, Sergi Roberto and Pedri. In this way, the Canarian returns to the eleven after reappearing in the semifinals against Osasuna. Xavi plays with four midfielders, like in last year's final, when Gavi acted as a false winger.

In the forward line Ferran Torres will be Lewandowski's companion up front. João Félix is ​​back on the bench, while Lamine Yamal is also waiting for his chance on the bench. In defense, the Blaugrana coach repeats the formation from the semifinals. The only change in the eleven is that of Pedri for Raphinha

This is the full squad of Barcelona: Iñaki Peña, Araújo, Koundé, Christensen, Balde, De Jong, Gündogan, Sergi Roberto, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Lewandowski.

For his part, Carlo Ancelotti introduces two new features with respect to the semi-finals against Atlético, one of them of great significance as the white coach has decided to make a change to the goal. The Ukrainian goalkeeper Lunin enters between the sticks to relieve Kepa, who conceded three goals and did not have a very happy performance in the derby.

The other novelty is the presence in the midfield of Kroos, who sends Modric to the bench. The German came on in the second half against Atlético because he was suffering from some slight discomfort.

This is the complete formation of Real Madrid: Lunin, Carvajal, Nacho, Rüdiger, Mendy, Kroos, Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinícius and Rodryg