Hansi Flick is ready to unleash a proven anti-Vinicius weapon as FC Barcelona gears up for a high-stakes El Clasico.
Second in La Liga with 19 points after a 6-1 Champions League rout of Olympiacos, the Blaugrana are balancing recoveries and tactical tweaks.
With Ferran Torres and Raphinha back in contention, Hansi Flick is weighing a defensive adjustment to neutralize Madrid’s lethal transitions, particularly on the left flank.
Hansi Flick is considering deploying Ronald Araujo as a central defender to counter Vinícius Júnior, reviving Xavi’s “Anti-Vinicius” strategy from past Clásicos, as reported by Diario Sport.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan, who scored a stoppage-time winner against Girona, has started six games this season, often paired with Pau Cubarsí.
His physicality and aerial dominance could neutralize Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé’s pace, supporting Jules Koundé on the right.
Araujo’s offensive contributions—two goals—add versatility, though Flick has yet to test him at right-back.
Flick’s defensive roster is nearly fully available, including Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martín, and Andreas Christensen, who is recovering from illness.
La Masia talents like Jofre or Xavi Espart may feature.
While Eric-Cubarsí has been Flick’s recent preference, Araujo’s benching against Olympiacos suggests a Clasico start.
His proven ability to “dry up” Vinícius in prior matches, per the report, makes him a tactical weapon against Madrid’s counterattacks.
With Flick suspended and Marcus Sorg leading from the touchline, Araujo’s role could be pivotal.
Barcelona’s €380m Spotify deal supports their ambition, but Frenkie de Jong’s illness and Ronald Araujo’s earlier frustrations test squad cohesion.
The 6-1 Olympiacos win showcased ruthlessness, yet defensive lapses need addressing.
Flick’s potential anti-Vinicius move, decided upon this week, aims to fortify Barcelona’s backline by blending Araujo’s grit with Cubarsí’s composure to seize La Liga’s top spot in a defining Clasico showdown.
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