Sat Apr 05 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona to Rest Key Players Against Real Betis in La Liga Clash

**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will make four changes to his starting XI for Saturday’s crucial La Liga match against Real Betis, notably benching rising star Lamine Yamal. The decision comes as Barcelona aims to manage player fatigue ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund next week.

Following a hard-fought 5-4 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final, Flick emphasized the need to rotate his squad. “We have to manage this whole issue with so many games,” Flick stated in his pre-match press conference. “We are not looking at Dortmund yet but at Betis. We must have fresh legs tomorrow.”

Yamal’s absence from the right wing will see Ferran Torres take his place, a player who scored the decisive goal against Atletico. Robert Lewandowski returns as the lone striker, and Gavi replaces Fermin in the attacking midfield role. Raphinha retains his spot on the left wing.

Further changes include Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia replacing Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in defence. The midfield pairing of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong remains unchanged.

The confirmed starting eleven for Barcelona against Real Betis is: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Ferran, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

The match holds significant implications for the La Liga title race, with Real Madrid playing Valencia earlier in the day. A Real Madrid victory could put them level on points with Barcelona. The outcome of both matches will significantly impact the title chase in the coming weeks.

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