Hansi Flick raised a few eyebrows with his starting XI to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

The German coach has gone with Ferran Torres as his main striker, leaving Robert Lewandowski on the bench for the crunch tie.

Here’s what he said ahead of kick-off:

“I don’t know if there will be many goals tonight, it’s going to be very difficult because we have a fantastic team in front of us with a fantastic coach,” he told the media.

“Ferran is performing very well and responding well, and he’s been very important in the Copa del Rey, which is why he’s a starter.”

According to reporter Toni Juanmarti, it’s a move that was agreed some days ago between player and coach.

“Lewandowski’s substitution tonight is something that has been discussed, in a way, agreed between the coach and the striker for days,” Juanmarti said on X. “Hansi told him that he would pace him, especially in the Cup. This also allows him more minutes in the League to fight for the Golden Boot.”

Flick did speak about Lewandowski’s desire to win the Pichichi after the win over Girona last time out.

“I know he wants to win the Pichichi and I’m very happy that he scored two goals today. But like I’ve always said, the important thing is the team,” he told reporters.

“When we win and when we score goals, maybe the chances that he wins the Pichichi is much more. It is important to focus on the team, to help the team.”

Yet Ferran is a fine replacement as he’s in great form currently. He’s scored 15 goals this season already in all competitions and will be hoping to add to his tally against Atletico.