Official: Barcelona starting lineup against Real Betis; Spanish Super Cup semi-finals

Barcelona’s clash against Atletico Madrid was one of the best games of the season, with Xavi’s men narrowly escaping with a 0-1 win. They will be hoping to build on the same tonight as they take on Real Betis in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals.

Xavi has made three personnel changes to the team that took on Atleti on the weekend. Robert Lewandowski replaces Ansu Fati after serving his suspension in the league, with Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha starting as the right and left wingers, respectively.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong has been given the nod to start over Sergio Busquets in defensive midfield, with Pedri coming back to his usual place after playing as a psuedo-left-winger in the league. Gavi rounds off the midfield as the other central midfielder.

Ronald Araujo was experiencing some muscle discomfort, according to reports earlier today, but has been given the green light to start in central defence. Jules Kounde retains his place, but as a centre-half.

Sergi Roberto gets the start over Hector Bellerin at right-back, while Alejandro Balde has been rested in favour of Jordi Alba. Unsurprisingly, Marc-Andre ter Stegen starts in goal.

🔥 BARÇA XI 🔥#BetisBarça 🇸🇦
Spanish Super Cup semifinal pic.twitter.com/DK9dIe4rd3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 12, 2023

Confirmed Barça XI: ter Stegen; Roberto, Araujo, Kounde, Alba; Gavi, de Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele