Barcelona may have suffered their first defeat of 2025 at the hands of Borussia Dortmund this week, but Real Madrid's own Champions League quarter-final defeat will have given them plenty to think about as they prepare for next week's Copa del Rey final.

While Los Blancos debate Carlo Ancelotti's future, his Blaugrana counterpart is trying to find a way to ensure his players are at their best for the crucial final stretch of the season.

The Catalan giants have already lost starting left-back Alejandro Balde to injury, and with a short squad, Flick cannot afford to lose any more of his first-choice players. Dani Olmo recently returned from a lengthy lay-off, but Flick is reportedly considering dropping him from the bench for the Copa final against Real Madrid in favour of Fermin Lopez in Seville.

As per Sport, Flick will test out his starting team against Celta Vigo this weekend, and then rotate for their midweek game against RCD Mallorca on the Tuesday before they face Los Blancos. The only doubt over the starting XI is whether Fermin, Gavi or Olmo start, even if the former is in pole position. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are fixtures behind that spot, as are the front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.

According to Sport, Flick will test his starting line-up against Celta Vigo this weekend and then rotate for the midweek clash with RCD Mallorca on Tuesday, before taking on Los Blancos. The only doubt over the starting XI is whether Fermin, Gavi or Olmo will start, even if the former is in pole position. Behind them are Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, as well as the front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.

At the back, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez will join Gerard Martin at left-back. Martin is likely to be rested for at least part of the game against Mallorca, while one or two of the strikers will also be rested against Mallorca. Should Real Madrid fail to beat Athletic Club on Sunday night, it will also ease the pressure on the Blaugrana.

Deco has made the signing of a right-back a priority for this summer. The left-back position is considered to be well covered with Balde, Martín and the up-and-coming Jofre Torrents.

Undoubtedly, Flick's biggest challenge will be to ensure that his side remain fit and capable of performing at their best on home soil. The likes of Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha and Kounde have all shown signs of fatigue in recent weeks as the schedule has tightened. After the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona have just three days to rest before Inter visit the Montjuic for the Champions League semi-finals.