Ahead of the much-anticipated clash against Unionistas, FC Barcelona have arrived in Salamanca. The Copa Del Ray returns for La Blaugrana, who will want to make their mark. Barcelona know that the competition remains as one of their last chances of silverware, and they will want to ensure progression.
Their upcoming encounter is the Round of 16 clash, and will see Barça progress to the quarter-finals if they win. With that motivation in mind, it is certain that the Catalan giants will take this match extremely seriously and do their best to continue winning in their favorite cup.
Ahead of the game itself, Barcelona have released their official starting lineup for the game. As expected, Xavi has done his best to field as strong an eleven as he could while keeping in mind that rotations were also necessary.
In goal, rather unsurprisingly, is Spanish goalkeeper Inaki Pena. The Spaniard will want to help his team bounce back after their last defeat to Real Madrid. While he conceded several goals in that game, he will be hoping to shut out Unionistas in this one.
Ahead of him, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen are the two central defenders. With Ronald Araujo unavailable, both of them are the responsible players in the defensive line. Their structure and consistency will be key for Barcelona.
On both of the two fullback positions, Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde have been placed. Balde, with his electric talents, will be commandeering the left flank. Roberto, on the other hand, will get a chance to show his technical abilities on the right flank.
The midfield sees some heavy rotations this time out. Oriol Romeu returns as a starter after gradually losing his place under Xavi Hernandez. He starts as the primary pivot, while Frenkie De Jong and Fermin Lopez start as his two interiors.
Finally, the frontline sees Joao Felix and Ferran Torres start as the two wingers. Both the Portuguese and Spanish forwards will want to improve from their recollection of the Spanish Super Cup. In between them both, Marc Guiu surprisingly starts as the main target man.
