Flick and his team will arrive at Bernabéu with the wound still open after the elimination against Inter Milan. Far from falling into pessimism, the group has reacted with attitude and confidence in this week's training sessions.
FC Barcelona depend on themselves to win LaLiga. A victory at the white stronghold could mathematically seal the title. The locker room knows it: it's the opportunity to close the season with a statement.
A Possible Title That Doesn't Hide the Problems
Lamine Yamal will be one of the great offensive assets. The youth player was the best against Inter and wants to deliver another memorable performance in the great classic. Flick has designed the plan tailored to him, aware that he needs spark up front to tip the balance.
But in defense, there are significant doubts. Gerard Martín didn't convince in Milan, and Araújo is back in the spotlight for his low performance.
The German coach has already communicated it internally. The defensive line needs immediate solutions and can't wait until summer without clear answers.
The match at Bernabéu will serve as a thermometer to make decisions. If Barça wants to make the leap in Europe next season, they must start by strengthening their rearguard. That implies both tactical changes and market moves.
Araújo, Increasingly Out of the Project
Although he renewed a few months ago, Ronald Araújo hasn't taken the step forward that the club desired. His clause of 65 million is still an affordable figure for major European teams looking for physical and aggressive profile center-backs.
Inquiries have already come from England and Germany. Manchester United, Bayern, and Chelsea have been following him for months. At Barça, no one closes the door to a sale if the offer is high and allows financing other more strategic signings.
Gerard Martín has potential and room for improvement, but he's not ready to take on leadership in major scenarios. Flick sees him more as a complement than a solution. The coach is looking for a reliable center-back, with experience and personality, who can lead from the back without faltering in key moments.
A Possible Solution at Home
Amid the defensive debate, good news is emerging. Alejandro Balde could return earlier than expected after his injury. The full-back has progressed well and has been partially training with the group for days.
Flick especially values his versatility and physical capacity. Although his natural position is the left flank, the coach doesn't rule out trying him as a center-back in a three-man defense. His speed and game reading could be useful in that area of the field.
Balde's return would be an unexpected "spring signing." His reappearance would bring freshness, depth, security, and alternatives to a defense that has been mentally affected after what happened at San Siro.
LaLiga could be decided this Sunday, but the future of Flick's project goes beyond the result. Barça need to win to close the championship, but also to reinforce their competitive identity after the European disappointment.
Balde can help from within. Araújo can leave if the right offer comes. Laporta will have to make bold decisions to shore up a defense that still doesn't offer guarantees in big matches.
The classic is not just a title. It's also a maturity test for this Barça. Flick wants to leave Bernabéu with more than just a victory: he wants certainties for the future.