The repeated encounters between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have revealed a clear diversity in the choices of coach Hans Flick, who faced the Madrid team in eight matches over a season and a half, achieving five wins and one draw against two losses, according to the Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo'.

The frequent encounters, which will rise to 10 matches by the end of the 2025/2026 season, forced the German coach to rely on different formations according to circumstances, whether due to injuries, suspensions, or technical requirements, which reflected on all lines of the team.

In goalkeeping, the choices changed between last season and the current one, with Flick starting with Iñaki Peña before giving the opportunity to Szczesny, while Juan Garcia became the main goalkeeper this season, achieving three wins against one loss, while the Polish goalkeeper recorded two wins and a draw.

As for the defense line, Pau Cubarsi was the constant element in all encounters, alongside the repeated reliance on Koundé and Balde before injuries prevented them from continuing. This line also saw the participation of Araújo and Cancelo as alternatives, while the defensive partnership in some matches was formed between Cubarsi and either Gerard Martin or Eric Garcia after Iñigo Martinez's absence.

In midfield, Flick relied on more than one style, having tried playing with three players in some matches, but this option did not succeed either in the league or the cup, as those encounters ended in losses. In contrast, the team achieved better results when relying on a double pivot, especially with Pedri being a key element in most formations.

In the attacking line, the choices were characterized by movement and diversity, with the German coach often relying on a player in the playmaker position, with roles exchanged between Dani Olmo and Fermin. On the wings, the preference was for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, despite the absences imposed by injuries, while the left side was occupied by more than one player, including Olmo, Fermin, and Rashford.

As for the center forward position, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres alternated in leading the attack, but Flick resorted in the last match to a different option by deploying Olmo as a false nine, in a new tactical step. Lewandowski and Ferran had shared roles between the league and the cup last season, a method that continued partially in the current season.