Story byHansi Flick considering tactical surprise for Atletico Madrid showdownFootball EspanaMon, March 2, 2026 at 8:25 AM UTC·2 min readBarcelona are hoping to overcome a four-goal deficit when they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie. Hansi Flick’s side were soundly beaten 4-0 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano three weeks ago, and if they want any chance of defending the title they won last season, they will need to make the comeback of all comebacks. Despite the task ahead of them, there is a belief within Barcelona that they can progress to the Copa del Rey final at Atleti’s expense. However, they will be without Robert Lewandowski due to the Polish striker suffering an eye injury during the weekend win over Villarreal, which leaves Ferran Torres as the only recognised number nine available to Flick. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite this, it is not ruled out that Ferran starts on the bench, with MD reporting that Flick is considering using the false nine system that worked wonders during Barcelona’s 5-1 victory over Real Betis in last season’s Copa del Rey.