Copa del Rey monarchs Barcelona begin their title defense in the round of 32 when they visit third-division side Guadalajara, marking the first ever meeting between the two Spanish clubs.
The Catalans enter the tournament as holders after defeating Real Madrid in a thrilling final last April. Last season’s triumph saw Barcelona pad their advantage as the most decorated club in Copa del Rey history.
Hansi Flick’s side kicks off its campaign fresh off clinching its seventh consecutive La Liga win to remain four points clear atop the division. Given the opponent and next weekend’s league visit to the impressive Villarreal, the German boss is expected to heavily rotate his side in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash.
Guadalajara are struggling in Spain’s Primera Division, currently sitting in the relegation zone. Still, this is a historic game for the club and they’ll be motivated to pull off the upset of all upsets.
It’s arguably the biggest game in Guadalajara’s history, facing off against one of the biggest teams in Spain and Europe for the first time ever.
The modest third-division side has planned a massive welcome party to receive the team bus and give the players one last bit of encouragement before taking the pitch for this historic match.
The challenge may be intimidating, but in front of 6,000 rocking fans, Guadalajara will try to, in their own words, “defend that 1% probability with 99% faith.”
Guadalajara predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-3-3): Zarco; Martínez, Ablanque, Gallardo, Rodríguez; Calvo, Mayo, Tavares; Domingo, Amigo, Caropitche.
Expect wholesale changes to the lineup that defeated Osasuna at the weekend to maintain Barcelona’s advantage atop the standings.
Established stars such as Pedri, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde and Joan García could all get a night off, with Pau Cubarsí and Eric García looking like two of potential candidates to repeat from last Saturday’s XI.
Flick could turn to a number of La Masia teenagers on Tuesday night, including Jofre Torrents, Marc Bernal and Dro Fernández, who have impressed the German in the past.
Finally, club captain Marc-André ter Stegen could make his season debut after recovering from a back injury. Plus, Robert Lewandowski could be deployed up front as another strong veteran presence in an otherwise vastly inexperienced side.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Guadalajara (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; García, Cubarsí, Christensen, Torrents; Bernal, Casado; Bardghji, Dro, López; Lewandowski.
