Hansi Flick faces a major selection dilemma ahead of Atletico Madrid clash

Hansi Flick faces a major selection dilemma ahead of Atletico Madrid clash

Barcelona head into Tuesday’s second leg against Atletico Madrid with renewed optimism, and much of that stems from an unexpected source.

Hansi Flick had largely settled on his attacking setup heading into the Metropolitano, but Ferran Torres may have just complicated those plans in the best way possible.

Torres forces his way into contention

The Valencian forward delivered a superb display against Espanyol in the derby, netting twice in the first half to end a 14-game scoring drought that had stretched back to January.

The goals lifted his tally for the season to 18, making him the third-highest scorer in the squad behind Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

According to Diario SPORT, Flick may now have a genuine selection headache ahead of the second leg, with Torres pushing hard for a starting berth at the Metropolitano.

Ferran Torres is pushing for a start vs Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Robert Lewandowski had been the expected starter, having been rested entirely against Espanyol with Tuesday’s clash in mind. The Polish striker scored at the Metropolitano in La Liga just last week and remains a strong option for Flick.

However, Torres’ performance will be difficult to ignore. The forward also has a strong personal record against Atletico Madrid, having scored twice in a famous 2-4 comeback victory at the Metropolitano last season, as well as netting the decisive goal in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg that sent Barcelona to the final.

After the full-time whistle on Saturday, Torres did not hold back when addressing his critics. “There is always external noise with me, always in the bad more than in the good,” he said, clearly motivated by the doubts that had surrounded him in recent weeks.

Flick now has a welcome problem on his hands.