Official: Barcelona starting lineup against Athletic Club | Copa del Rey
Coming off a dramatic 2-4 win against Real Betis in La Liga over the weekend, Barcelona will now take on Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals tonight.
The Spanish tactician has been one of the best managers in the league over the last couple of seasons, and will be more than a match for Xavi Hernandez’s side.
As such, Xavi has opted to use most of his best XI, with the only major change in attack.
Jules Kounde starts as the right-back for the second game running, while Alejandro Balde will provide width from the other side of the backline.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Pau Cubarsi drops out of the team with Andreas Christensen starting at centre-back alongside Ronald Araujo, guarding Inaki Pena, who holds the fort in goal.
Moving into midfield, Ilkay Gundogan has been given the licence as the pivot. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will join him as part of the midfield trident.
Lamine Yamal completed 90 minutes on the weekend but has been picked to start this game as well. Robert Lewandowski continues to lead the line, while hat-trick hero Ferran Torres completes the attack on the left flank.
🔥 BARÇA XI 🔥#AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/sZ8AZocKBG
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 24, 2024
