Three talking points as Barcelona prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are preparing to face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey at Metropolitano later tonight. It is an important game for the Catalans, who will look to take an early advantage back home in this two-legged tie.

Barcelona got past Albacete in the previous round to set up this date with Diego Simeone’s team. Although it is only the first leg, and the second does not come around until March, it is important for them to try to go for a win.

A draw would not be the worst result in the world, especially considering that the game is away from home and that Barcelona are likely to be without both Raphinha and Rashford. Thus, Flick is going to have to improvise.

With all this in mind, here are three talking points as Barcelona prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

1: And the left-wing spot goes to…

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With the two ‘Rs’ on the left wing both out of the picture, Barcelona will be without their first- and second-choice left-wingers. Hansi Flick needs to identify who he wants to repurpose in that position against Atletico Madrid.

The most likely options are Ferran Torres or Fermin Lopez. The former has played across the front line throughout his career, while the latter has been used as an auxiliary left forward in the past. Alternatively, Flick could choose to go with Dani Olmo.

On the other hand, if Flick wants to spring a surprise, he has a card up his sleeve. Joao Cancelo has not seen many minutes since his arrival at Barcelona, but a combination of him and Alejandro Balde on the left wing could be exciting.

Irrespective of who Flick decides to go with on the left, the key is to replicate the intensity that Raphinha brings to the table, even if the output is not as high as one is used to from the Brazilian. Let us wait and see how things play out.

2: All eyes on Jules Kounde

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If Jules Kounde was widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world in the 2024/25 season, he is hardly half the player he was this time around. The Frenchman has looked far off the pace for a good six months now.

Against Mallorca, a game that Barcelona comfortably won 3-0, Jan Virgili ran rings around the Frenchman and even beat him in aerial duels. For a player whose defensive prowess is his strong suit, things have not played out that way this season.

Despite his indifferent form, the Frenchman is fully expected to start against Atletico Madrid and could face the tricky proposition of coming up against Alex Baena and Ademola Lookman. The latter is an incredible dribbler who can influence play single-handedly.

Everything points to Kounde having a very difficult game on paper against Atletico, and it remains to be seen how things play out on this front at the Metropolitano.

3: A big night for Joan Garcia

Photo Courtesy: The official website of FC Barcelona

When Barcelona signed Joan Garcia, they wanted him to do something they had failed to get from Marc-Andre Ter Stegen over the years. The Catalan club wanted a shot-stopper who could be their brick wall in big games.

Joan has been very impressive in recent months, but his true value will be revealed only on big nights. A knockout tie at the Metropolitano is going to be a huge test under pressure, and the Spaniard has seemed relatively unfazed in such situations in the past.

In the back line, Barcelona are likely to go with Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde. There is not a great deal of defensive height in that back line, and there is no doubt that Atletico will create their chances.

If Joan has a good game, more often than not, Barcelona also tend to get a good result. It remains to be seen how the Spaniard fares against Atletico Madrid.