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Barcelona head into tonight’s decisive clash against Atletico Madrid knowing that only something extraordinary will keep their hopes alive.
A 0-4 deficit is not just a tactical problem, it is a mental and physical mountain to climb.
And for Hansi Flick, the challenge has become even more complicated before a ball has even been kicked.
The list of absentees leaves the German coach with very little room for manoeuvre when selecting a starting eleven capable of dreaming about a historic comeback.
Andreas Christensen remains sidelined, while Gavi is back training with the group but not fully ready.
Frenkie de Jong is unavailable, and in a late blow, Robert Lewandowski was ruled out as well.
As if that was not enough, Barcelona will also be without Eric Garcia. The defender was sent off in the closing stages of the first leg, meaning this will be the first match in which he is forced to rest.
His absence removes a reliable and versatile option from the defensive rotation.
All of this explains why Flick is facing several major selection dilemmas.
Left-back: Cancelo vs Balde
Joao Cancelo is an attacking threat. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
At left-back, the debate is clear. Does Flick prioritise control or aggression?
Joao Cancelo offers a far more attacking profile. The Portuguese full-back showed exactly what he can bring when he played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Levante.
He was a constant threat going forward and even finished the match with an assist. In a tie where Barcelona must chase goals, that offensive spark could prove crucial.
Alejandro Balde, on the other hand, is more balanced defensively. There is nothing particularly wrong with his performances, but he does not provide the same level of attacking output.
While he defends well and covers ground intelligently, Barcelona are not protecting a lead. They are, in fact, trying to overturn a four-goal deficit.
That context makes this one of Flick’s biggest calls. Does he risk defensive exposure for greater attacking thrust?
Centre-back: Gerard Martin vs Araujo
Gerard Martin has been extremely reliable. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
In defence, only two names are certain, namely, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi.
The uncertainty lies in who partners with Cubarsi in the heart of the back line.
Gerard Martin has played an important role in recent months. However, everything suggests that Ronald Araujo may have the edge.
The Uruguayan’s experience, physical strength and aerial dominance could be decisive in such a high-pressure encounter.
Against Atletico’s direct threat and set-piece ability, those qualities carry serious weight.
Kounde is expected to operate at right-back, Cubarsi will anchor centrally, and Joan Garcia is set to start in goal.
But whether Flick opts for youth or experience alongside Cubarsi remains one of the defining questions.
Midfield: Bernal vs Olmo
Bernal has Hansi Flick’s trust. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Pedri’s return to the starting line-up is one of the few certainties.
The midfielder was carefully managed in recent matches against Levante and Villarreal to ensure he would be fully fit for this decisive night.
The other position in the double pivot appears destined for Marc Bernal. The youngster has earned Flick’s trust and offers defensive structure.
Yet Dani Olmo’s case cannot be ignored.
Earlier, when both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were unavailable, Flick paired Olmo with Bernal without hesitation.
Now that Pedri is back, the manager must decide whether to maintain balance or inject additional creativity.
Olmo brings movement, technical quality and attacking intelligence. In a match where Barcelona must score goals, that creative spark may be tempting.
Attack: Olmo vs Ferran
Ferran Torres has been struggling recently. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Lewandowski’s absence naturally points towards Ferran Torres leading the line. On paper, it seems the obvious solution. However, Ferran has struggled with form in recent weeks.
Throughout February, the Spaniard failed to register a goal or an assist. In a match of this magnitude, that lack of productivity cannot be ignored.
Olmo, by contrast, offers versatility. He can drop deep, link play and still carry a genuine goal threat.
Deploying him as a false nine would allow Barcelona to overload midfield areas while maintaining unpredictability in attack.
Tonight is about courage and precision. With injuries piling up and suspensions limiting options, Flick must find the right balance between control and chaos.
The margin for error is gone. Barcelona need bold decisions and they need them to work.