Surprise at Barça! Hansi Flick's untouchable will be benched against Eintracht.

Tonight, a crucial match will be played for FC Barcelona's aspirations in the Champions League. At this moment, the Catalans are in 18th place, just one point above Pafos, which marks the qualifying limit. That's why another slip-up against Eintracht would be fatal for the European future of the culé team.

Hansi Flick is fully aware of the significance of the match. He knows that today's clash is essential to guarantee Barça's peace of mind in the Champions League and he's already made important decisions to secure victory. The coach wants to minimize risks and make the most of the good form of his most in-form players.

In this regard, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick has in mind a starting eleven with several notable surprises. The defensive line seems practically set out of necessity: Joan García, Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Balde will start again due to the lack of available alternatives. Meanwhile, Lamine, Raphinha, and Ferran will be responsible for creating danger and converting the chances caused by the team.

Hansi Flick makes an important decision in the midfield

The big surprise, however, comes in the midfield. Hansi Flick plans to keep the pairing of Eric García and Pedri, a combination that in recent matches has shown enormous reliability. Pedri is the team's engine and will start whenever he's available, while Eric has earned his place through performance, intelligence, and versatility.

This is where the unexpected twist of the day appears: Frenkie de Jong, until very recently untouchable for Hansi Flick, may be left out of the starting eleven. The Dutchman has just recovered from a bout of flu that already made him a substitute against Betis and, in addition, he's one booking away from suspension for the next European match. Meanwhile, Eric García has burst into the midfield with strength and has convinced the coach that he deserves to remain a starter.

Eric García shines more than Frenkie de Jong

The level recently shown by Eric García has been so remarkable that in the locker room they're starting to accept that he's moved ahead of Frenkie de Jong in the rotation. His ability to provide clean ball distribution, his reading of the game, and his defensive discipline have fit perfectly with what Hansi Flick asks for in this position. That's why the German coach wants to take advantage of his great moment and keep him in the line-up.

With just a few hours left before the match begins, everything points to Frenkie de Jong watching the start from the bench. It's a decision that just two months ago would've seemed impossible, but soccer is dynamic and hierarchies change when performance demands it. In Mundo Deportivo they're clear: Eric García will be chosen to partner Pedri in the midfield against Eintracht.