The presence of João Cancelo in a more advanced position is the main tactical novelty of the Barça eleven to receive Real Madrid this afternoon in Montjuïc. The Portuguese will be positioned as a winger on the right while Ronald Araújo will cover his back to try to stop the attacks of the Brazilian Vinícius.
The Uruguayan's slightly more lateral competition means that Barcelona's eleven has two other centre-backs, such as Christensen and Iñigo Martínez, who repeats for the third consecutive match. Bucket will hit from the left.
Gavi returns in the midfield after his suspension in the Champions League. The Andalusian will share the midfield with Gündogan at the base of the square while Fermín will be further forward, who remains in the eleven after his great game against Shakhtar. As forwards, Xavi is betting on the continuity of Ferran Torres and João Félix.
There had been much speculation about how many injured footballers would recover in time. For the starting eleven, none. Lewandowski, Raphinha and Koundé will wait for their opportunity on the bench. On the other hand, Pedri and De Jong were left off the list.
For his part, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti puts into play the eleven planned in recent days, with Mendy at left back and Rodrygo accompanying Vinícius on the attacking front. For the midfield, the Italian opts for Kroos, Tchouaméni and Valverde as Bellingham's squires, at the top of the diamond.
This is the complete starting eleven of FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Araújo, Christensen, Iñigo Martínez, Balde, Gündogan, Gavi, Cancelo, Fermín, Ferran Torres and João Félix.
This is the complete starting eleven of Real Madrid:
Kepa, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy, Kroos, Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinícius and Rodrygo
