FC Barcelona players
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s upcoming El Clasico seems to have played an important role in Hansi Flick’s decisions during Barcelona’s 4-2 defeat to PSG.
The German manager very clearly prioritised the fitness of several key players ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
The Barcelona coach admitted after the match that the Clasico had influenced his team selection and rotations.
Flick protects key players ahead of Real Madrid clash
The clearest indication came before kick-off, when Rodri was surprisingly left out of Barcelona’s starting line-up.
The midfielder did not feel ready to sustain maximum intensity for 90 minutes, prompting Flick to start Marc Bernal instead.
Rodri eventually entered the match once the tempo had dropped, although he still appeared uncomfortable. Flick subsequently confirmed that the midfielder would feature against Madrid.
Rodri, Barcelona player
Rodri was rested against PSG with a view of El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Pedri and Raphinha were also withdrawn around the hour mark, limiting their workload ahead of the weekend.
Raphinha’s substitution was particularly understandable given his limited involvement against Real Betis and his recent return from injury.
Flick also replaced Xavi Espart in the 74th minute, seemingly unwilling to risk another defensive setback.
Barca are clearly wary of Real Madrid
Barcelona have one more day than Real Madrid to prepare for the Clasico, and yet they have shown how wary they are. Mourinho, on the other hand, is not planning any rotations tonight.
Sunday’s fixture influenced Barcelona’s approach against PSG, and this gives Los Blancos much more incentive.
Even facing the reigning European champions, Flick felt compelled to manage the minutes of several important players.
That underlines the importance of the Clasico and the physical concerns surrounding Barcelona’s squad.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona manager
Hansi Flick has shown how wary he is of Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
However, Madrid will know better than to mistake Flick’s caution for weakness. Barca will come out all guns blazing against Los Blancos.
By protecting Pedri, Raphinha and Rodri, the German may have improved his chances of fielding a stronger line-up on Sunday.
The six-point gap makes this a particularly important opportunity for Madrid to regain ground in the title race.
Should they fail to win on Sunday, they run the risk of dropping nine points behind the defending La Liga champions.
Barca’s preparations have clearly been shaped by the Clasico. Now, the onus is on Madrid to ensure that the attention Flick has given to Sunday’s encounter does not pay off.
Rival watch: Barcelona suffer major injury blow ahead of El Clasico vs Real Madrid
Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain star
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid are preparing to face Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou in the first El Clasico of the season later this week.
Hansi Flick’s men have a perfect record in the league so far and a six-point advantage over their arch-rivals ahead of the game.
However, they are coming into the Clasico on the back of a 4-2 loss to PSG in the Champions League, which may have disrupted their momentum.
Los Blancos’ upcoming El Clasico against Barça could take place without Dani Olmo after the Spain international picked up an injury at the Parc des Princes.
According to Diario AS, initial assessments suggest the 28-year-old Barça superstar has suffered a possible left adductor tear.
The midfielder is expected to undergo an MRI scan on Wednesday to confirm the diagnosis.
Olmo started against PSG ahead of Fermin Lopez, marking his 100th appearance for Barcelona, but had to be withdrawn after a challenge from Vitinha.
He immediately indicated that he could not continue and was replaced by Fermin Lopez in the 27th minute.
Manu Hernando, Former Real Madrid player
Dani Olmo is unlikely to be available for Barcelona against Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Although Barcelona have not confirmed the extent of the injury, his participation in Sunday’s Clasico appears highly unlikely.
The midfielder previously suffered an adductor problem during the 2024-25 season, which kept him out for approximately three weeks.
His injury adds to an already growing injury list for Barça, with Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde also currently unfit.
The Frenchman is the only player on the list who has a chance of returning to action against Jose Mourinho’s team.
What Olmo’s absence means for Real Madrid
Olmo is a crucial player for Hansi Flick and Barcelona, and Madrid would be glad to have one less headache to worry about.
The Spain international offers Barça creativity between the lines, intelligent movement in midfield and the ability to turn games on their heads.
Dani Olmo has performed very well forBarçaa in previous Clasicos. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Olmo has always tended to perform well in Clasicos since his return to Barça, and his absence is good news for Madrid.
However, his replacement, Fermin Lopez, is equally potent and brings a different kind of energy for Madrid to contend with.
Madrid will be looking to exploit any uncertainty in Barcelona’s line-up while attempting to close the six-point gap between the rivals.
Nevertheless, Barcelona still possess enough attacking quality to cause serious problems, particularly through Lamine Yamal and their midfield combinations.
Los Blancos need to play a perfect game to get the victory against Flick’s Barça on Sunday, and it remains to be seen how things pan out.