Official: Barcelona starting lineup against UD Barbastro – Szczesny debuts | OneFootball

FC Barcelona take on UD Barbastro in an hour in their first match of 2025, with the two teams battling it out for a spot in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.

With kickoff not far away, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has announced the starting lineup that will take on the minnows from the RFEF Segunda Division.

As was expected, emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny finally makes his debut for the Blaugrana after having arrived as a replacement for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen more than three months ago.

Meanwhile, there is also a first appearance of the season for defender Ronald Araujo, who has fully recovered from his injury. He pairs up with Inigo Martinez at the heart of the defence, with Pau Cubarsi being rested.

Jules Kounde continues at right-back while Gerard Martin gets into the team in place of Alejandro Balde on the left.

There is a start for Eric Garcia, linked with a January departure, as one of the two pivot midfielders, where he will be accompanied by Frenkie de Jong. Flick has opted to retain Pedri as part of the midfield unit.

Pablo Torre and Fermin Lopez also get rare starts in the attacking third in the absence of players like Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.

Robert Lewandowski leads the line as the lone striker.