Mundo Deportivo: Flick may start Cancelo to contain Giuliano through attack

According to the latest report from Mundo Deportivo, Flick may start Cancelo against Atletico Madrid, replacing Balde.

According to reports, after the match against Villarreal and yesterday's recovery training, Flick only has one training session left to prepare for tomorrow's game against Atletico Madrid, where they must overturn a 0-4 first-leg deficit to reach the Copa del Rey final.

Even if Flick wants to experiment with some tactical changes, he will have to do so without Eric Garcia, who was sent off in the first leg of the semi-final at the Metropolitan Stadium.

Furthermore, the injured De Jong, Christensen, Gavi, and Lewandowski will also miss the second leg against Atletico Madrid. Lewandowski suffered a fractured left medial orbital bone during Saturday's match against Villarreal.

Lewandowski's absence leaves Ferran as the only available striker, unless Flick uses Olmo as a false nine, a precedent set in last year's Copa del Rey when Barcelona beat Betis 5-1, with Olmo contributing two assists and hitting the woodwork once.

Flick is likely to start Pedri (a confirmed starter), Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha, and Olmo, with Bernal playing in the defensive midfield position.

In goal, Joan García is a regular starter, Koundé at right-back and Cubasi at center-back are also confirmed, and Cancelo might play an attacking role at left-back, replacing Balde.

The best way to contain Giuliano Simeone's attack is to force him to defend. At the other center-back position, left-footed Gerard Martín might assist Cancelo defensively, with Araujo also having opportunities.