Fresh off a commanding 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, FC Barcelona travel to Germany with one foot already in the semi-finals.
Despite the emphatic result at Montjuic, Hansi Flick and his coaching staff have made it clear—there is no room for complacency.
The message ahead of Tuesday’s return leg is one of focus and discipline, even with such a healthy lead.
That said, the comfortable margin does give Hansi Flick the luxury to rest key players, especially with the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid looming.
According to SPORT, the Barcelona boss is weighing up at least three changes to the side that played against Leganes in La Liga over the weekend.
One of those changes is enforced: Alejandro Balde picked up a hamstring injury and will be out for a minimum of two weeks.
In his place, Gerard Martin is expected to start.
As Balde’s natural deputy and a player in good form, Martin has earned Flick’s confidence heading into this crucial stretch.
In defence, Inigo Martinez is at risk of suspension with one more yellow card.
Flick may opt to rest him to ensure availability for a potential semi-final first leg.
Who replaces him, however, is still up for debate.
Ronald Araujo began the match against Leganes, but Eric Garcia came on at half-time and may be preferred due to his composure in possession.
Further up the pitch, Gavi is likely to return to the starting XI after being benched over the weekend and used sparingly in the first leg against Borussia Dortmund.
That could mean Fermin Lopez, who has impressed in recent matches, drops to the bench.
In attack, Ferran Torres could be given a start.
The winger scored twice at Signal Iduna Park earlier in the group stage and could offer valuable energy in place of Robert Lewandowski, who might be handed a well-earned rest ahead of a demanding run-in.
With the tie all but settled, rotation could be key as Barcelona chase silverware on multiple fronts.
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