Flick’s major dilemma for Super Cup final as two Barcelona stars vie for starting spot

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick rarely gives away clues about his line-ups before a match – and even less so before a final.

Keeping in tune, he offered no hints earlier today in his press conference , when asked whether he planned to change his starting No. 9 for the Clasico in the Spanish Super Cup final tomorrow.

After all, there is a major battle brewing in the centre-forward position as both Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski have more than enough arguments to make Flick’s decision a difficult one.

As things stand, Ferran appears to have the edge over his senior teammate, having earned the role of first-choice No. 9 this season on merit and having just opened his Super Cup account against Athletic Club.

Out of the 24 matches he has played this campaign, he has started 18 under Flick. The Spanish international is also Barcelona’s top scorer this season with 14 goals.

Moreover, in last season’s Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, Ferran was decisive, scoring the equaliser that took the match into extra time.

Fighting for the starting spot. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Lewandowski, however, will not give up his claim to a starting spot in the first final of the season. At 37, the Polish striker has accepted Flick’s management of his minutes with professionalism.

But he remains fiercely competitive and will not want to miss out on the biggest occasions.

Despite missing several matches through physical issues, he has not lost his scoring touch. He has nine goals, all in La Liga, with the most recent coming in the derby against Espanyol. He has started 10 matches this season.

Moreover, the Polish forward has a special affinity with the Spanish Super Cup. He has scored in all three finals he has played.

Last season, Lewandowski converted a penalty in the 5-2 rout, while in 2024, he scored Barcelona’s only goal in the 4-1 loss to Real Madrid. Going further back, in the 2023 final win under Xavi Hernandez, he left his mark with the second goal in a 3-1 triumph.

So, Flick has a major decision heading into tomorrow’s final – whether to continue backing Ferran or trust Lewandowski’s exceptional record in the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.