Barcelona head into their midweek European fixture brimming with confidence following a commanding 3-0 win against Real Oviedo that saw them reclaim top spot in La Liga. Yet domestic matters must now be set aside as the Catalan club shifts focus entirely to the Champions League, where a critical group stage decider looms large.
The Blaugrana face FC Copenhagen in what promises to be a pivotal encounter. Victory alone won’t suffice—Barcelona must win convincingly to maintain realistic prospects of securing a top-eight finish in the competition. With qualification scenarios finely balanced, goal difference may ultimately prove decisive, placing Flick’s men under immense pressure to adopt an aggressive approach from kickoff.
For this vital fixture, Barcelona will be without two cornerstone midfielders. Pedri faces roughly a month on the sidelines following yet another injury blow, while Frenkie de Jong is suspended after collecting his third Champions League yellow card of the campaign.
These enforced absences pose a genuine tactical headache for Hansi Flick, though they may simultaneously open doors for tactical innovation. According to MARCA, the German tactician is contemplating a revamped midfield configuration, potentially switching to a 4-3-3 formation that grants more attacking license through the center of the pitch.
This tactical adjustment would likely feature two advanced playmakers operating behind the striker, injecting additional creativity and scoring threat into central zones.
Under this system, Dani Olmo and Fermín López would assume the attacking midfield responsibilities, with Eric García potentially deployed as a deep-lying anchor to provide defensive balance.
Flick is reportedly encouraged by the recent displays of both Olmo and Fermín, who have emerged as Barcelona’s most impressive performers in recent matches.
Fermín has been particularly exceptional, producing three goals and six assists this year while bringing dynamism, intelligent late runs, and an ability to unlock defenses. Olmo has similarly impressed with three goals and an assist, offering technical sophistication and clever movement in transition zones.
