Flick Selects Yamal for Starting XI in Catalan Derby
Hans Flick confirmed his starting line-up for Saturday evening’s La Liga meeting with Espanyol. Barcelona head into the match as league leaders.
The club aim to beat their city rivals. A win would push their advantage over second-placed Real Madrid to nine points.
Selection decision
Flick rotated the squad to preserve energy ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atlético Madrid. However, he could not persuade youngster Lamine Yamal to rest.
Flick selected Yamal in his starting XI for the Catalan derby. The decision goes against the manager’s initial wish to give him a breather.
Starting eleven
- Juan García
- Balde
- Araujo
- Kubasi
- Eric García
- Gerard Martínez
- Gavi
- Ferran López
- Pedri
- Lamine Yamal
- Ferran Torres
Bench
- Cancelo
- Rashford
- Lewandowski
- Dani Olmo
- Casado
- Frenkie de Jong
Additional context
The starting choices reflect Flick’s balancing act between domestic duty and European competition. The Champions League tie with Atlético Madrid remains a near-term priority.
Filmogaz.com previously ran a related piece on Yamal’s desire and Flick’s policy in the derby. That report examined the young player’s reluctance to be rested.
