Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is not taking any chances as his team gears up for a crucial league match against Mallorca this Tuesday at 9:30 PM CET at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. After narrowly escaping a setback against Celta Vigo, the German coach is focused on maintaining stability ahead of the all-important Copa del Rey final scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025. The dramatic late turnaround against Celta served as a wake-up call for Flick, who is keen to ensure that his squad is in top form for the upcoming cup clash.
With over 72 hours separating the league game against Mallorca and the cup final, Flick has the opportunity to field a strong starting lineup without worrying about player fatigue. His message is clear—there will be no room for unnecessary experiments or sweeping changes. While a few tweaks may be made to enhance specific areas, most of the key players who featured against Celta are expected to retain their spots in the starting XI.
As the match approaches, the Barcelona faithful are eager to see how the team will line up. In goal, Wojciech Szczesny will continue to start between the posts. Despite the imminent return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Szczesny remains Flick's preferred choice. In central defense, Ronald Araujo is anticipated to partner with young Pau Cubarsi, with Inigo Martinez possibly being left out to avoid suspension for the cup final. On the flanks, Gerard Martin is likely to keep his place at left-back, while Jules Kounde continues on the right side of defense.
In midfield, the most significant change could see Eric Garcia stepping in for Frenkie de Jong. Garcia, usually a center-back, has proven his versatility and can handle midfield duties effectively. He may line up alongside Pedri, who was rested in the last outing against Dortmund and is expected to return fresh for this encounter. The attacking midfield position remains open, with Dani Olmo, who played a vital role in the comeback win over Celta, now available for selection from the start. Flick also has reliable options like Fermin Lopez and Gavi, both of whom could partner with Pedri in the midfield.
In the attacking third, the absence of Robert Lewandowski continues to shape the forward line. As a result, Ferran Torres is likely to feature more prominently through the center. On either side of him, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are expected to take up the wide positions, providing pace and creativity on the wings. Flick's approach for this match is straightforward—avoid chaos and build momentum heading into the Copa del Rey final. By trimming down rotations and sticking closely to his most dependable players, the manager emphasizes that every match from this point onward is crucial.
Barcelona enters this match with a solid lead in La Liga, looking to extend their advantage at the top of the table to seven points. However, they face a Mallorca side that has been in good form over the past two months, making this clash a potential challenge. Mallorca comes into the match after a home draw against Leganés, leaving them with 44 points, just two ahead of Real Sociedad, the first team outside the European spots.
The Balearic team is immersed in the fight for Europe, although they are hesitant to publicly admit it. Mallorca's coach, Luis García Plaza, emphasized the importance of being "solid in defense" and executing safe passes that force Barcelona to run back. He knows that consistency will be key for 90 minutes and believes that the upcoming Copa del Rey final will not affect their performance.
As for Mallorca's lineup, they will be without key players Maffeo and Dani Rodríguez, both serving suspensions after receiving yellow cards. This will force García Plaza to make significant rotations across all lines. In defense, changes are expected, particularly in the full-back positions, while Antonio Sánchez will replace Dani Rodríguez in midfield. Up front, Abdón will likely return to the bench for Larin to play as the main striker.
For Barcelona, the match against Mallorca is crucial not only for their title ambitions but also for maintaining momentum heading into the Copa del Rey final. Flick's squad is aware of the stakes, especially after their recent struggles against Celta, where they had to dig deep to secure the win. The manager has expressed his concerns about the match, stating that it will be difficult because "they defend very well" and "make good transitions." With several players on the verge of suspension, including Raphinha, Íñigo, Kounde, and Gavi, the stakes are even higher.
As the match approaches, excitement builds among the Barcelona fans, eager to see their team in action. The atmosphere at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys promises to be electric as supporters gather to cheer on their team. The match will be broadcasted on Movistar La Liga and can also be followed through minute-by-minute updates on social media.
In summary, Barcelona is set to face Mallorca in a crucial La Liga encounter that will test their resolve and preparation ahead of the Copa del Rey final. With a strong squad and a clear focus, Flick aims to guide his team to a vital victory while keeping an eye on the bigger prize.
