FC Barcelona - Real Sociedad: Confirmed Lineups - LaLiga 24/25

OFFICIAL: The starting lineups of FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick and Real Sociedad under Imanol Alguacil for the match of matchday 26 of LaLiga 2024/25 are now confirmed.

In view of the tight schedule ahead, Hansi Flick made several adjustments to the starting eleven. Ronald Araujo returns to the center of defense to partner with Pau Cubarsí, while Gerard Martín will give Alejandro Balde a rest at left back. Meanwhile, Marc Casadó regains his starting position in the pivot role and Dani Olmo will complete the midfield alongside Pedri. The rest of the lineup will consist of the 'untouchables' of the German coach.

FC Barcelona Lineup

• Starting XI: Szczesny (P); Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Araujo, Gerard Martín; Casadó, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
• Bench: Iñaki Peña (P); Balde; Íñigo Martínez; Gavi; Ferran Torres; Pablo Torre; Fermín López; Pau Víctor; Frenkie de Jong; Eric García; Kochen (P); Héctor Fort.
• Injured: Ter Stegen; Marc Bernal; Andreas Christensen.
• Suspended: None.

Significant changes in the eleven that played against Atlético de Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals:

1. Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araujo form the central duo, Iñigo Martínez is a substitute
2. Casadó regains the starting position in the pivot role, Frenkie de Jong returns to the bench
3. Alejandro Balde gives up his place at left back to Gerard Martín

The Barça returns to Montjuïc in LaLiga with a clear objective in mind. The azulgrana team, which remains unbeaten in 2025 with a record of 11 wins and 3 draws, needs to secure a victory to consolidate its position as the sole leader of the league championship. The culés have 54 points, the same as Madrid after being defeated by Betis and two behind Atlético de Madrid (56), although they have one more match. Therefore, if they emerge victorious from the clash against the donostiarras, their chances of lifting the title at the end of the season would increase exponentially.

However, aware of the tight schedule, Flick has made several rotations to distribute the workload. Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí will once again form the central duo and Gerard Martín returns to left back. Meanwhile, Casadó is back as the starting pivot and will partner with Dani Olmo and Pedri in the midfield. In attack, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski are untouchable. Injured are Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal and due to illness from a feverish process Ansu Fati.

Real Sociedad Lineup

• Starting XI: Remiro; Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Zubeldi, Javi López; Zubimendi, Olasagasti, Pablo Marín; Barrenetxea, Óskarsson y Sergio Gómez.
• Bench: Arana (P), Marrero (P), Beitia, Marchal, Mariezkurrena, Jon Martín, Brais Méndez, Aihen Muñoz, Oyarzabal, Traoré y Turrientes.