Barcelona key defender to start against Real Madrid despite missing two training sessions this week | OneFootball

According to a recent report from SPORT, Jules Kounde is confirmed to start for Barcelona in the highly anticipated clash against Real Madrid. 

Despite missing training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday due to a minor knock suffered in the Champions League against Olympiakos, Kounde returned to full training on Friday and impressed the coaching staff with his recovery. 

Hansi Flick has decided to trust him to play from the start.

Kounde to lead defensive efforts

During training, Kounde was rehearsed as a full-back, and the plan is for him to take on the responsibility of containing Real Madrid’s dangerous winger, Vinicius Jr. 

With Kounde on the right side, the central defensive pairing will feature Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia. 

On the left, Alejandro Balde, fully recovered and in excellent form, will provide both defensive cover and attacking support, particularly against Kylian Mbappe’s runs.

Jules Kounde will start for Barcelona against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Flick confirmed the lineup in discussions with his players last night, ensuring consistency with the session conducted on Saturday morning. 

The French defender was personally asked about his fitness level, and after confirming he felt fully ready, Flick was able to finalise his defensive plan without making last-minute adjustments. 

Had Kounde not felt 100 percent, alternatives like Ronald Araujo or Eric Garcia could have been deployed at full-back, which would have altered the expected defensive structure.

Kounde’s inclusion brings both experience and versatility to Barcelona’s backline, giving the team the confidence to manage Real Madrid’s attacking threats. 

With a central pairing anchored by Cubarsi and Garcia, and the flanks covered by Kounde and Balde, Barcelona will aim to disrupt a flowing Real Madrid attack at Santiago Bernabeu.