Barcelona’s biggest advantage over Real Madrid is hiding in plain sight | OneFootball

Barcelona’s 5-0 demolition of Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final was not just a statement result, it was a reflection of how far Hansi Flick’s project has progressed in recent weeks. 

While the goals and attacking fluency grabbed the headlines, the real takeaway from the night was Barcelona’s squad depth and how it could shape the final against Real Madrid.

As injured players return and competition for places increases, Flick now has a much wider set of tools at his disposal. 

This has allowed Barcelona to rediscover the identity that defined their best moments last season. 

This is no longer a work in progress, but a system starting to function at full capacity.

A strong set of players

The semi-final against Athletic Club highlighted just how strong Barcelona’s options have become. 

Even before a single substitution was made, the bench itself was frightening to take on any side. 

This was not a group of players meant only to protect a lead, but a collection of match-winners capable of flipping the game on its head.

Barcelona have a strong depth. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Against Espanyol, Flick’s changes completely altered the contest. Players like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez began the match on the sidelines, yet their introduction transformed the second half. 

Their impact directly led to the goals that sealed victory.

A luxury to have

For Flick, this depth opens endless tactical possibilities. He can adjust formations, raise intensity late in games, or target specific weaknesses in opposition defences. 

More importantly, it allows for proper rotation ahead of the Champions League knockout stages, where physical freshness often separates success from failure.

Heading into the final against Real Madrid, Barcelona’s strength in depth could be the defining factor. 

When the margins are tight and legs begin to tire, Flick has the luxury of turning to proven quality. 

That advantage may prove decisive, not just in the Super Cup, but in the crucial months ahead.