Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has revealed that both Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó are fit to be part of the squad for the El Clásico La Liga match scheduled for this Sunday. While Casadó is not usually considered a starting XI player and is mostly given minutes in less critical games, Balde has been crucial for Barcelona as a left-back this season.
However, he sustained a hamstring injury in their match against Leganés . His injury caused him to miss several crucial games, including the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan.
Despite being declared fit, Flick revealed in a press conference that Gerard Martín would start in the El Clásico, while Balde would be named on the bench. Lewandowski, who also recently returned from injury and was used as a substitute during Barcelona’s semi-final UCL exit, will also start on the bench rather than in the starting XI.
Martín, who has faced some criticism in the past, recently proved himself during Barcelona’s UCL semi-final loss against Inter Milan by providing two assists. Hansi Flick has expressed full confidence in Martín ahead of the El Clásico.
Flick’s decision to bench both Balde and Lewandowski shows that the coach would rather not risk the players, despite this being one of the most — if not the most — important matches of the season.
Barcelona currently lead La Liga by four points. However, a Real Madrid win could reduce the gap to just one point.
Flick also confirmed that Szczęsny would start ahead of Barcelona’s captain, Ter Stegen, in goal.
Recall that Real Madrid has failed to win any El Clásico matches this season, losing both the Super Cup and Copa del Rey to Barcelona. However, despite that, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes a win is possible. Real Madrid and Barcelona will play their final El Clásico of the season in what could be a title-deciding match on May 11th — and you can’t afford to miss it.
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