Barcelona face their first El Clasico clash of the 2025/26 campaign as the defending La Liga champions head to Real Madrid.
Xabi Alonso's side have a two-point lead at the top of the table, but both sides have only lost one league game so far this season, up against Atletico Madrid and Sevilla respectively.
However, Barcelona's preparations have been hit by several setbacks with star duo Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha out injured and Hansi Flick serving a touchline ban.
La Liga confirmed Flick will serve a one-game suspension after his red card in the final minutes of the 2-1 home win over Girona on October 18.
Barcelona were unsuccessful in their appeal, and Flick admitted his conduct was not appropriate in the heat of the moment, after a dispute with referee Jesus Gil Manzano for sarcastically applauding the award of four minutes of stoppage time.
"I don't like seeing myself like that on TV, I don't want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that. I probably have to change my behaviour."
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Despite rumours of Thiago Alcantara leading the team against his old Spain teammate Alonso, Flick's trusted No.2 Marcus Sorg will take charge with the former Bayern Munich boss seated in the stands.
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.
Hansi Flick of Barcelona
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.
Prior to last season, Barcelona had only won one of their previous four league trips to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, and Sorg admitted it is one of the most unpredictable fixtures in world football.
"El Clasico is always 50–50, and the team that plays better will win. If we want to win at the Bernabeu, we must avoid losing the ball, keep possession and stay compact. If we play as a unit, we’ll have our chance."
The trip south is Sorg's most high-profile appearance as Flick's assistant after covering for the German coach's two-game suspension last season.
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