Lewandowski, a starter in the Super Cup Clásico: the 'LRL' returns to Barça's attack

Robert Lewandowski is the big surprise in FC Barcelona's lineup for the Clásico in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final, against Real Madrid. The '9' will accompany Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in Jeddah, while Ferran Torres will be a substitute.

'Lewy' hadn't started since December 9th (against **Eintracht**) and had only scored one goal (against **Espanyol**) in his last six appearances for Barça. Although the 'Shark' had recently scored against **Athletic**, Flick opted for the Pole's hierarchy, who has already scored against Madrid in the last three Super Cup finals (one goal per game).

"We analyze the opponent, we know how we want to play and what's best for the game. It's not easy because Ferran has also done well, but it's a matter of feelings and I have a good feeling today," the German coach commented to 'Movistar' before the match about Robert's starting position, in statements cited by 'MARCA'.

The 'LRL', Real Madrid's nightmare, returns in 24/25

In this way, Flick recovers his stellar offensive trident from last season, which was capable of scoring 94 of Barça's 167 goals in 60 matches across all competitions. Lewandowski (42), Raphinha (34), and Lamine Yamal (18) formed Europe's deadliest attack and a true nightmare for Real Madrid

In the four Clásicos played last season, the Catalan team scored 16 goals against the 'White House'. Half of them were accounted for by the 'LRL' (8), with Rapha as the top scorer with 5 goals. The Brazilian missed the matchday 25/26 LaLiga clash against the 'merengues' due to injury, as did the Pole.

The physical problems of both players meant that, out of the first 27 games of the current season, the 'LRL' were only on the field on three occasions prior to the Spanish Super Cup final. Even so, Barça maintains its notable offensive production, with 74 goals and an average of 2.74 per game.

Ronald Araujo also returns to the bench; Mbappé doesn't make the XI

The other good news for Barcelona this Sunday is the return of Ronald Araujo to the squad. The 'charrúa' was left out of the list against Athletic, but he will be on the bench against Real Madrid in what could be his first match since November 25, against Chelsea.

The Uruguayan overcame a sharp emotional downturn after his expulsion in London and is now ready to fight again for a place in the center of defense, where Eric García and Pau Cubarsí are repeating. Gerard Martín awaits his opportunity on the bench alongside Araujo.

Another player starting the final as a substitute is Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman pushed his recovery from a knee sprain to play in the final, but Xabi Alonso will only count on him for the second half. The '10' could play for about 30 minutes and was doubtful until the last minute.

Dean Huijsen, for his part, returns to action after a month on the sidelines due to muscular problems, taking the place in defense of the injured Antonio Rüdiger. Arda Güler, in principle, also appeared in the XI, but at the last minute he was replaced by Gonzalo García. The Spaniard accompanies Rodrygo and Vinicius in the 'merengue' attacking trident