Hansi Flick sends a clear message on Ter Stegen’s return to Barcelona after the close call of the Copa del Rey

Marc-André ter Stegen has finally made its long-awaited return FC Barcelona after undergoing multiple recovery processes following two significant injuries. With the Blaugrana achieving a narrow 2-0 victory CD Guadalajara in their period 2025-2026 King’s cup debut, head coach Hansi Flick delivered a clear message about the future role of the German goalkeeper.

In September 2024, Ter Stegen suffered a complete tear of the patellar tendon in his right knee against Villarreal, an injury that sidelined him for the entire season. Although he was initially expected to return for the 2025–26 campaign, a subsequent back injury forced him to undergo surgery, further delaying his comeback. More than fourteen months after his last appearance, Flick selected him as the starting goalkeeper for Tuesday’s match.

Asked about the decision to start Ter Stegen after previously expressing doubt about his immediate return, Flick was direct: “For me, Marc is the captain. He has been at the club for twelve years and now he is back. I wanted to give him more… We spoke to the coaching staff and felt this was the right time to give him the opportunity.”

Flick also reiterated that Joan García, who was rested for the match, remains the club’s first goalkeeper, while Wojciech Szczęsny and Ter Stegen are seen as strong alternatives. “It’s just for this game, nothing else. He got the chance to play and it was a great next step for him too”, the boss concluded his response to the German’s return.

Barcelona dominated possession with an overwhelming 82 percent, giving Guadalajara few chances in the final third, but still: Ter Stegen came into action several times and finished with three solid saves. The performance raised expectations that he could soon challenge for the starting role as the second half of the season progresses.

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Barcelona survives close call in Copa del Rey debut

Barcelona went into Tuesday’s round of 32 against third-division side Guadalajara as clear favorites, but the visitors made things difficult with a compact defensive approach. The Blaugrana finally broke through in the 76th minute when Andreas Christensen headed in the openerbefore Lamine Yamal set up Marcus Rashford in stoppage time to seal the 2-0 win.

Asked for his reaction after the match, Flick praised his team’s approach: “I was happy with the attitude we showed today. It was also crucial for the victory. When you play this King’s cup It’s not easy because they defended very well, but in the end the most important thing is the attitude and mentality we showed on the pitch, which was good.“

Elsewhere in the competition, RCD Mallorca, one of Tuesday’s biggest surprises, was eliminated by second division club Deportivo de La Coruña after a 1-0 defeat. Barcelona will do that now conclude their 2025 schedule on Sunday with a challenging trip to take on third-place Villarreal in La Liga.