Barcelona will experience a notable absence on the touchline during their upcoming clash against Real Madrid in the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 season. Hansi Flick, the head coach for Barcelona, will not be present due to a suspension incurred during a recent match.
Background on Hansi Flick’s Suspension
Flick was sent off during a La Liga match against Girona when he received two yellow cards for protesting against the allotted stoppage time. The incident occurred at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, culminating in a red card from referee Jesús Gil Manzano. Barcelona managed to win that match 2–1 but lost their manager for the crucial match against their archrivals, Real Madrid.
Impact of the Suspension
Due to Flick’s red card, he will miss the high-stakes El Clásico. His absence places additional pressure on Barcelona to secure a victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. The team is aiming to turn around what has been a disappointing start to their league campaign.
- Match Date: Upcoming fixture on Sunday
- Location: Santiago Bernabéu
- Opponent: Real Madrid
- Barcelona’s Current League Performance: Seeking a fifth consecutive victory over Real Madrid
Assistance from Marcus Sorg
In Flick’s absence, assistant manager Marcus Sorg will step in to lead the team. Barcelona’s recent performances indicate that a win against Real Madrid could propel them to the top of La Liga, especially with favorable fixtures lined up in November.
Failed Appeal by Barcelona
Barcelona attempted to appeal Flick’s one-match ban, citing inconsistencies in the referee’s report. However, the Administrative Court for Sport (TAD) upheld the suspension, stating there was no evidence to challenge the referee’s decision.
With the stakes high for both teams, Barcelona will need to deliver a strong performance to maintain hope for La Liga supremacy, even without their head coach on the touchline.
