Barcelona face a crucial test tonight against Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup, in a match that will kick off at 8:00 PM.
Hansi Flick’s men are looking to secure a ticket to the final of the tournament. However, all eyes are on the starting lineup that the German coach may choose, as it is likely to include a big surprise, as well as an unexpected change on the bench.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, with the confirmation of Dani Olmo’s absence, who is still caught up in the registration issue due to administrative problems at the club, Flick continues to study his options in midfield.
Sources close to the dressing room report that the coach is considering including Pablo Torre in the starting lineup, having left a strong impression in the last match against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey.
Torre’s ability to perform well in decisive moments, along with his skill in filtering passes and handling the ball under pressure, makes him an ideal option to break the defensive block of Athletic Bilbao, one of the strongest defensive teams under the leadership of Ernesto Valverde.
Flick’s decision to start Torre could mean that Gavi, one of the team’s key players, will start the match on the bench.
This would be a surprise, given that Gavi is considered a key player for Barcelona due to his physicality and energy in midfield, which have always made him one of the team’s mainstays. However, the coaching staff believes that Torre could offer a different profile in this specific
context, especially against an opponent like Athletic Bilbao, who rely on high pressing and taking advantage of their physical strength.
Added to this is the balanced midfield equation with Pedri and Marc Casado, which gives Torre the freedom to move and spread the play without restrictions.