Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been thrust onto the back foot as he prepares for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands. De la Fuente was forced to make two unexpected changes to his squad following recent injuries to key players.
FC Barcelona figures, defender Iñigo Martínez and midfielder Marc Casado, both found themselves sidelined after Sunday night's dramatic 4-2 victory over Atlético Madrid. Martínez departed the match nursing a knee injury, which raises concerns about his availability for the national team. The injury is particularly disappointing for the 33-year-old Martínez, who has earned 21 caps for Spain but had not played any matches since de la Fuente took over as head coach following the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Casado, too, has been nursing a knee issue, which compounded the selection problems for the former coach of the youth national teams. To fill the gaps left by these injuries, de la Fuente has turned to promising players. Aleix Garcia has been called up to cover Casado, and Dean Huijsen will step up from the U-21 squad to take Martínez's place.
Meanwhile, the excitement is palpable for Spanish fans, as their team looks to build on the recent momentum generated from club performances. FC Barcelona secured a thrilling comeback against Atlético Madrid on March 17, 2025, showcasing their resilience under Coach Hansi Flick. The Catalan side, buoyed by the goals of Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, managed to triumph 4-2, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to 18 matches.
Remarkably, this unbeaten streak coincides with Flick's tenure at Barcelona, who has led the team to victory following their last defeat against the same Atlético side back on December 22, 2024, which ended 2-1. The current record for the longest unbeaten run is held by Luis Enrique, whose squad achieved 39 matches without defeat back in 2016. Flick's focus now shifts to securing his place among the club's most successful managers by potentially surpassing Tata Martino's record of 20 matches.
Barcelona will face challenging fixtures up next, with matches against Osasuna and Girona, both of whom have proven to be difficult opponents. Osasuna had previously handed Barcelona their only loss this season. Following those encounters, Barcelona will meet Atlético Madrid once again on April 3, 2025, for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, and these challenges will test the team's resolve.
While Barcelona aims to maintain their impressive run, they are also making strides on the transfer front. The club's management has identified recruiting a reliable winger as their top priority for the upcoming transfer market. Both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are key figures within Coach Flick's plans, yet their high minutes on the pitch have raised concerns about their stamina, leading to calls for reinforcements.
Two names have emerged as fan favorites: Rafael Leão from AC Milan and Luis Díaz from Liverpool. Both players bring unique qualities to the table. Leão, known for his explosive speed and scoring prowess, is favored by president Joan Laporta due to his exceptional performance in Serie A. Meanwhile, Díaz is celebrated for his high intensity, defensive work, and skillful dribbling, making him another viable option for Barcelona's desired approach.
Challenges remain on the horizon, particularly surrounding financial constraints due to La Liga's salary cap. Despite achieving the coveted 1:1 ratio, the club still struggles to secure top-level signings without shedding existing contracts. Potential outgoing transfers may include Ferran Torres, who, valued at €35 million, would not only create necessary salary space but also enable the acquisition of one of the sought-after wingers.
Despite his tally of 11 goals from just 1,100 minutes, the management is reportedly anxious to explore replacement options they believe would offer more than Torres has at the moment. The impending transfer market is poised to deliver excitement for Barcelona and its die-hard fans as they maintain aspirations to solidify their squad and continue competing on multiple fronts.
With injuries affecting national squad selections and club ambitions firmly steering team direction, the next few weeks promise to be thrilling for supporters of Spanish football.
