Hansi Flick is preparing to deploy a talented but rarely utilized Barcelona playmaker from the bench in the Copa del Rey encounter.
Hansi Flick continues his policy of rewarding form over reputation ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey quarter-final at Albacete, with a promising academy product tipped for another start in the competition that has become his personal showcase.
The German coach views the tie against the second-division giant-killers—who stunned Real Madrid in the last round—as ideal for blending youth development with victory assurance, especially with Raphinha sidelined by injury and a congested fixture list demanding rotation.
That midfielder is Marc Bernal, whose assured Elche display has Diario Sport predicting another start against Albacete after consecutive Copa starts versus Guadalajara and Racing.
The 17-year-old’s 94% pass accuracy from 16/16 completions trumped Frenkie de Jong’s 91.2% (60/66), showcasing metronomic calm that steadied Barcelona when three shots hit the woodwork.
Bernal’s composure provided crucial control, slowing tempo to unlock a stubborn defence—a maturity belying his tender years amid Flick’s high-pressing demands.
With Gavi long-term absent, Pedri hamstrung until late February, and Christensen recovering, Bernal emerges as de Jong’s natural pivot partner, offering defensive bite and progressive poise.
Albacete’s fairytale—94th-minute Betancor winner over Madrid—earns respect, but Barcelona’s 32-title history and six straight H2H wins signal dominance.
Flick’s predicted XI rotates heavily: Joan Garcia behind Eric Garcia, Gerard Martín, Araújo, Cancelo; Bernal alongside Casadó or de Jong, Fermín López at 10; Rashford, Lewandowski, Yamal up top.
Bernal’s cup emergence mirrors La Masia’s blueprint—45 minutes v Guadalajara, 58 v Racing—building rhythm post-injury.
Against Albacete’s Capi-Pacheco-Villar-Meléndez engine and Betancor-Medina threats, his game-reading becomes pivotal.
Flick trusts youth platforms; Bernal repays faith. Elche’s poise signals readiness for bigger stages, with Mallorca looming Saturday. Copa progression secures semi-final destiny—Bernal holds the engine room key.
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