FC Barcelona announced their squad for their highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against rivals Real Madrid and were given a key boost with Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s return.
The German goalkeeper, who has been dealing with a knee injury sustained against Villarreal earlier this season, is included in the squad, but Wojciech Szczesny is expected to continue as the starter.
Ter Stegen will give a morale boost regardless, and several younger players on the squad will benefit the most.
Two omissions for Barcelona will be problematic at best: Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde.
Lewandowski has been a key player for most of the season as a constant goal threat for the Blaugrana, and now Ferran Torres will likely take his place leading the line, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha supporting as a vibrant attacking trio.
As for Balde, someone else should fill in at left back, but Gerard Martin has shown promise, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the final.
Manager Hansi Flick has an excellent set of players at his disposal, and given the depth across key parts of the field, he has the opportunity to put out a very strong starting XI and still have a few solid options left on the bench.
The continued absence of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal due to injury does restrict his options for rotation, but Barcelona’s backbone is intact for this most important game.
This Copa del Rey final offers Barcelona the chance to salvage at least some silverware from what has been a very great season.
Add an emotional return for Ter Stegen and the motivation that this city carries, and we are set for yet another intense El Clásico.
Although Real Madrid will be very much a fixture in the drama that is about to unfold, and this final is a must-watch event.
It will have drama, passion, and above all-high stakes. It will be exactly what you would expect from one of football’s great rivalries.
🚨 Hansi Flick’s squad for the Copa del Rey final! #ElClásico #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/RMaK74poDV
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 25, 2025
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