Barcelona manager’s major selection dilemma heading into first El Clasico of the season | OneFootball

With the El Clasico scheduled for this weekend, Hansi Flick has a crucial task of deciding on the defensive setup that can withstand Real Madrid’s lightning-fast attack. 

While the Barcelona defence has not been as confident as last season in their approach this time around, the Bernabeu poses a bigger challenge, requiring careful selection and tactical precision.

Against Olympiacos, the pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia impressed once again. Their coordination, ball-playing ability, and calm presence under pressure make them Flick’s go-to choice in central defence. 

However, Barcelona’s high defensive line has been less reliable this season. Last year, they successfully caught Real Madrid offside 12 times, showing the effectiveness of their pressing game. 

This season, though, the team’s timing and collective movement have been slightly off, making the defence more vulnerable against fast counter-attacks. 

Araujo could provide advantage

According to a report from AS, to counter Real Madrid’s pace, Flick is considering Ronald Araujo. 

Ronald Araujo could start ahead of Eric Garcia against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Uruguayan offers speed, strength, and excellent one-on-one defending, qualities that could neutralise Madrid’s quick transitions. 

Having been named on the bench in recent games against Girona and Olympiacos, Araujo is physically fresh and ready, making him an appealing option for this high-stakes match. 

On the other hand, it must be noted that Andreas Christensen, sidelined through illness for the Champions League clash, is expected to remain on the bench. 

With only a few training sessions left, Flick faces a difficult decision. 

Should he rely on the familiarity and composure of Cubarsi and Garcia, or bring in Araujo to add dynamism and defensive resilience? 

The choice could make or break Barcelona’s performance at Santiago Bernabeu, where one mistake can shift the balance in Real Madrid’s favour.