Hansi Flick set to reunite his preferred centre-back pairing for Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

The upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid is one that FC Barcelona will need to ready for. A game worth more than just three points, it is one that could have a big say in the La Liga title race. For Barcelona, it is a match in which they must do whatever it takes to win.

Following their recent loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Diego Simeone’s side will be looking for a way to bounce back. Fortunately for them, an opportunity has presented itself in the form of a crucial La Liga clash against Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

However, the Catalan giants are not ones to take this encounter lightly either. Still unbeaten in 2025, La Blaugrana are in a league of their own when it comes to momentum. As such, even Flick’s side will be rubbing their hands at the idea of getting to play Atletico Madrid.

Moreover, according to SPORT, this is a game where Hansi Flick is looking to deploy his ‘gala eleven’ of stars. With each and every single one of his main starters available, the German coach is reportedly looking to play them all together for this important contest.

Notably, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is expected to return to the bench for this game as Pau Cubarsi will likely be replacing him. Previously, due to a red card in the UEFA Champions League, Cubarsi unfortunately ended up missing both legs against SL Benfica.

Still, Barcelona managed to make it through thanks to the work of the entire team and even Araujo, who contributed a lot defensively. Moreover, due to the postponement of the La Liga game against CA Osasuna in between those two Champions League legs, Cubarsi has been unable to feature in any contest since his initial suspension.

Now, however, Flick can finally reunite his trusted pairing of both Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. Having recently renewed his contract, the latter will also be in an incredibly positive state of mind right now and having both of those Spanish defenders at his disposal again would be a treat for the German coach.

Alongside them, moreover, both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are expected to be on either flank of the defense. Both fullbacks are currently enjoying a great season with a lot of impactful moments, and having the entirety of his preferred backline will undoubtedly be a big boost for Flick.