FC Barcelona Faces UD Barbastro in Copa del Rey

FC Barcelona is preparing for their Copa del Rey match against UD Barbastro, marking the start of 2025 under coach Hansi Flick. The match presents an opportunity for Flick to rotate his squad, granting debuts to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and center-back Ronald Araujo, while resting key players like Pedri and Jules Koundé. This situation arises amid frustrations regarding the registration of summer signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, who are unavailable due to legal complications. Despite recent challenges, Flick noted a positive atmosphere in the team, emphasizing the importance of focus against Barbastro. Additionally, young players like Dani Rodriguez and Toni Fernandez may also see minutes due to their strong performances in training. Barcelona aims to bounce back from a disappointing end to 2024 and find success in this knockout tournament.