Barcelona will have to do without head coach Hansi Flick for their El Clasico trip to Real Madrid on October 26.
The two Spanish superpowers face off at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu at 3**:15pm UK time [11:15 a.m. ET / 8:15 a.m. PT]** with Xabi Alonso's hosts currently leading the rankings by two points over the defending champions.
The marquee game of the season so far sees Alonso take on Barcelona for the first time as Real Madrid manager but there will be a change in the opposition dugout.
La Liga have confirmed Flick will serve a one-game touchline ban following his red card in the final minutes of Barcelona's 2-1 home win over Girona on October 18.
Barcelona have indicated a notion to appeal the decision, but the club are not confident of success, and plans are already in place for Flick's replacement in Madrid.
That appeal will be heard by the La Liga Disciplinary Committee before Barcelona's trip to the capital with an update expected 48 hours before.
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Hansi Flick's El Clasico record, suspension rules, replacement vs. Real Madrid
Flick's ban comes following two incidents in the Girona win as he was initially spoken to by match referee Jesus Gil Manzano for sarcastically applauding the award of four minutes of stoppage time.
As Ronald Araujo headed home a late winner, Flick was sent to stands after making an obscene gesture, for which he later apologised.
"I don't like seeing myself like that on TV, and I don't want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that. I probably have to change my behaviour."
Despite Flick's statement, La Liga have enacted the expected ban, and he will not return to touchline duties until the home game with Elche on November 2.
Hansi Flick of Barcelona
The small print of Flick's ban means he cannot participate in pre or post match press duties, or speak with his team and coaches during the game, including at half-time.
The 60-year-old will be confined to the stands and cannot have any involvement in the match as punishment for his actions.
Despite rumours of former Barcelona and Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara taking charge in Flick's absence, the stand-in role will be filled by his long-serving assistant coach Marcus Sorg.
Thiago, who returned to the club as a coach in September, will work alongside Sorg - who covered for Flick's two-game suspension last season.
Flick ended his debut 2024/25 campaign in charge with a trophy treble, and became the first Barcelona manager to win his opening four games against Real Madrid, including a 4-0 away league win and a title-sealing 4-3 victory in Barcelona.
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