Flick may revive false-nine system as Barcelona seek comeback vs Atletico Madrid amid injuries and suspensions | OneFootball

Following their encouraging win against Villarreal in La Liga, FC Barcelona are set to face one of the biggest challenges of this season, as they take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie, going into this game with a 4-0 deficit on aggregate.

Turning around such a big deficit would naturally be a challenge for any side, but the Catalans’ task would be made even more difficult by absences of some of their important players. Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski are unavailable due to physical issues, while Eric Garcia is suspended for this game.

Lewandowski is the latest setback, having suffered a fracture to the inner side of his left eye socket, leaving Barcelona without their reference point in attack.

In that context, Ferran Torres emerges as the most natural option to lead the line and is currently the only orthodox striker at Flick’s disposal. However, a tactical surprise is not ruled out. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Flick could revive a system that proved highly effective last season by deploying Dani Olmo as a false nine.

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There is a clear precedent for this approach. During last season’s Copa del Rey round of 16, Barcelona dismantled Real Betis with Olmo operating centrally, a performance in which he supplied two assists and repeatedly unsettled the defense.

That formula would allow Flick to field Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Olmo together, with Marc Bernal anchoring midfield, maximizing creativity and movement in search of an early breakthrough.

If Flick opts for a more traditional structure, Ferran would retain his place up front in a 4-2-3-1 shape, potentially at the expense of Olmo. The coach has limited alternatives in midfield as Eric Garcia had been considered for the pivot role, and Marc Casado is managing physical discomfort, further narrowing the options.

Defensively, Joan Garcia is set to start in goal, with Jules Kounde at right back and Pau Cubarsi a certainty in central defense. One of the key selection calls is expected on the left flank, where Joao Cancelo is poised to start ahead of Alejandro Balde.

Cancelo’s inverted role would give Barcelona an extra man in midfield and force Giuliano Simeone to spend more time defending rather than attacking. To balance that risk, Gerard Martin is a strong candidate to partner Cubarsi at center back, although Ronald Araujo remains an alternative.

With little time to prepare and everything to gain, Barcelona head into the match aware that only an aggressive approach and a touch of tactical daring can keep their Copa del Rey hopes alive.