Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made a surprising decision ahead of Friday’s Copa del Rey semifinal first leg against Atletico Madrid, opting to start Ferran Torres over veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The move, confirmed in team lineups released hours before kickoff, marks a continued trend of diminished playing time for the 37-year-old Polish international.
Although Lewandowski remains healthy, according to reports, he has lost his place as a consistent starter under Flick. The German coach has favored Torres in recent matches, a tactical shift that has raised eyebrows given Lewandowski’s pedigree and past performance in crucial games. This isn’t an isolated incident; Flick has consistently opted for Torres as the central striker throughout the current season.
Statistics from the 2025-2026 season reveal a close contest between the two forwards. Torres has featured in 31 games, starting 21, and has registered 16 goals and one assist across all competitions. Lewandowski, in 28 appearances with 16 starts, has tallied 13 goals and one assist. Torres currently boasts a slightly higher goal contribution rate per 90 minutes played, with 0.88 compared to Lewandowski’s 0.84.
Beyond raw numbers, the decision appears to be rooted in differing player profiles. Reports indicate that Torres offers a greater degree of pace and collaborative play, while Lewandowski remains a more traditional, classic number nine. This tactical preference aligns with Flick’s broader approach to Barcelona’s attack.
Barcelona reached the Copa del Rey semifinals after defeating Guadalajara (2-0), Racing Santander (2-0), and Albacete (2-1) in earlier rounds. Atletico Madrid advanced with victories over Atletico Baleares (3-2), Deportivo La Coruña (1-0), and a dominant 5-0 win against Real Betis in the quarterfinals.
The future of Lewandowski at Barcelona remains a topic of speculation, particularly as his contract nears its expiration on June 30. According to reports, the Polish striker has received offers from Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Fenerbahce, and clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Though, Lewandowski is reportedly delaying any decision until after Barcelona’s presidential elections in March, suggesting his future at the club is still uncertain.
