On January 11, 2026 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Lineups renewed one of football’s fiercest rivalries in the Spanish Super Cup final, widely known around the world as El Clásico. Barcelona prevailed 3-2 in a match that hinged on lineup decisions, injury absences and tactical gambles. The defining aspect was how both coaches selected and balanced their squads to manage fitness, form and tactical priorities under intense pressure. Barcelona’s starting XI reflected a blend of emerging talents and established performers while Real Madrid’s choices underscored both depth and lingering fitness concerns. These lineup decisions not only determined the trajectory of a single match but shaped the narrative of both teams seasons influencing La Liga title aspirations and strategic planning far beyond this headline clash.
For Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, the absence of key figures such as Gavi, Andreas Christensen and regular goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen demanded a smaller core of starters adapt without disrupting identity. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso likewise faced key fitness questions, choosing to start Kylian Mbappé on the bench despite his return from a knee issue. And while the lineups told one story on paper, the actual execution on pitch underscored tactical resilience, strategic tradeoffs and the impact of squad rotation in elite football.
The Barcelona XI: Balancing Youth and Experience
Barcelona’s 4-2-3-1 in Jeddah blended youthful exuberance with seasoned finishing instinct. Goalkeeper Joan García, entrusted with his first big El Clásico role, marshaled a back four featuring Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Alejandro Balde. Midfield balance came via Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, while the attacking quartet—Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha and star striker Robert Lewandowski—showcased both pace and clinical edge.
This lineup revealed strategic priorities. Flick deployed two technicians in midfield to control tempo against Real Madrid’s counterattacking threats. Yamal’s inclusion at such a young age signaled trust in his ability to unsettle defenses while Raphinha’s pace exploited Madrid’s high defensive line. Lewandowski’s presence provided focal finishing, and Barcelona’s structure emphasized fluid transitions over rigid positional play.
Real Madrid’s Tactical Gamble
Real Madrid also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 but with notable fitness constraints. Veteran keeper Thibaut Courtois started between the posts as Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras anchored a reconfigured defense. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga partnered Aurélien Tchouaméni with Jude Bellingham operating slightly ahead in the creative line. On the flanks, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo provided width with Vinícius Júnior leading the attack. Mbappé, still building match sharpness, began from the bench.
The selection reflected Alonso’s compromise between injecting attacking firepower and managing player fitness. Bellingham’s creative roaming posed constant threats while Courtois’ experience aimed to steady a backline pressured by Barcelona’s tempo. However the benching of Mbappé revealed caution over aggravating his recent knee issue, balancing short-term ambition with season-long fitness planning.
Lineup Comparison: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Here’s a structured comparison of the starting lineups from the Super Cup final on January 11, 2026:
| Position | Barcelona | Real Madrid |
| Goalkeeper | Joan García | Thibaut Courtois |
| Right Back | Jules Koundé | Federico Valverde |
| Center Back | Pau Cubarsí | Dean Huijsen |
| Center Back | Eric García | Álvaro Carreras |
| Left Back | Alejandro Balde | Rodrygo (covering) |
| Defensive Midfield | Pedri | Eduardo Camavinga |
| Central Midfield | Frenkie de Jong | Aurélien Tchouaméni |
| Right Wing | Lamine Yamal | Jude Bellingham |
| Attacking Midfield | Fermín López | Rodrygo |
| Left Wing | Raphinha | Vinícius Júnior |
| Striker | Robert Lewandowski | Federico Valverde (attacking role) |
This comparison spotlights key strategic distinctions. Barcelona’s structure prioritized midfield continuity and positional rotation, whereas Real Madrid adapted to fitness uncertainty by reallocating traditional wide roles into hybrid defensive and attacking duties.
Formational Depth and Bench Impact
Substitutions played a decisive role in the latter stages of the match. Barcelona introduced Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo to refresh attacking impetus, while Real Madrid brought Mbappé on in the 76th minute to chase an equalizer. Strategic use of substitutes reflected risk profiles: Barcelona opted to protect a lead with structural continuity, whereas Madrid sought explosive impact at the expense of cohesion.
This bench usage underscores the real tradeoffs managers make between rhythm and impact. Barcelona’s bench swings leaned into tactical maintenance and depth, while Real Madrid’s represented an all-in urgency to overturn the deficit.
Formations and Tactical Nuances
Both managers structured their teams in 4-2-3-1 formations but with distinct emphases. Barcelona focused on possession compactness and quick transitions through the half spaces. Real Madrid blended structured defense with vertical breaks. These philosophical differences shaped the pace of play and influenced how each team created or prevented scoring chances.
Barcelona’s tactical traits:
- Rapid fullback support on overlaps.
- Central midfield rotation to disorient pressing triggers.
- Attacking width calibrated to exploit isolated defenders.
Real Madrid’s tactical traits:
- Deep defensive shape enabling counter transitions.
- Midfield shielding to block central corridors.
- Wide threats drawing opposing defenders outward.
Tactical Turning Points
Key tactical adjustments in the second half shifted match momentum. Barcelona shifted slightly toward a higher pressing intensity after conceding an early equalizer. Real Madrid, by contrast, sought to defend deeper and invite forward breaks. These mid-game changes were direct responses to lineup constraints and moment-to-moment game state.
Expert analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “What separated these teams was not raw talent but how effectively each coach utilized available personnel under evolving match states.”
Expert Insights
Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández offered perspective on lineup balance, “The way Barcelona blended youth and experience gave them the edge to control possession phases without losing aggression.”
Tactical analyst Julien Laurens added, “Madrid’s benching of Mbappé early signaled a broader strategic gamble that ultimately needed payoff but came too late.”
Sports director Richard Keys commented, “Lineup decisions in El Clásico often reveal deeper club philosophies and risk tolerance under pressure.”
Historical Context of Lineup Evolution
Lineups between these two clubs have evolved with shifting tactical trends. Barcelona’s recent emphasis on positional fluidity contrasts with Real Madrid’s hybrid press and counter models. This evolution reflects broader football trends prioritizing versatility and adaptability in elite squad selection.
Timeline of Key El Clásico Lineup Shifts
| Year | Tactical Shift | Impact |
| 2022 | High press dominance | Elevated transition pace |
| 2023 | Hybrid 4-3-3 variants | Increased midfield control |
| 2024 | Rotation focus | Enhanced squad depth utilization |
| 2025 | Vertical counter emphasis | Greater direct attacking |
| 2026 | Youth integration | Blended experience and pace |
This timeline tracks how squad selection philosophies ripple through match outcomes and strategic identities.
Injury Influence on Lineups
Injury status for key players shaped both lineups. Barcelona missed star midfielder Gavi and defender Andreas Christensen, forcing greater reliance on younger players. Real Madrid managed key fitness doubts for Mbappé and Rodrygo, contributing to cautious lineup decisions that influenced match rhythm.
Takeaways
- Barcelona’s blend of youth and experience gave them strategic control in midfield.
- Real Madrid’s decision to bench Mbappé early shaped attacking dynamics.
- Substitutions reflected distinct risk tolerances and tactical objectives.
- Both coaches adapted formations to align with injury landscapes.
- Tactical evolution reveals deeper club philosophies in squad selection.
Conclusion
The January 11, 2026 Super Cup final was more than a 3-2 victory on paper. It was a snapshot of how lineup choices, tactical pragmatism and strategic adaptation define high-stakes football. Barcelona’s willingness to integrate young talents like Lamine Yamal alongside veterans such as Lewandowski proved decisive. Real Madrid’s cautious management of star fitness highlighted the tension between ambition and long-term planning. These lineup decisions carried consequences beyond a single trophy, influencing squad morale, tactical coherence and setting a subtle blueprint for future FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Lineups chapters, including the upcoming May 10 league meeting.
FAQs
Which formation did Barcelona use in the January 11 Super Cup final?
Barcelona lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that balanced control in midfield with attacking width.
Why did Real Madrid bench Mbappé?
Mbappé started on the bench due to fitness caution after recovering from a knee issue.
Who scored in the Super Cup final?
Raphinha scored twice and Robert Lewandowski once for Barcelona. Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García scored for Real Madrid.
How did injuries impact FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Lineups choices?
Barcelona’s absences of Gavi and Christensen opened opportunities for younger players while Madrid managed fitness concerns for key attackers.
When is the next El Clásico after this match?
The next scheduled league El Clásico is set for May 10, 2026.