Hansi Flick will lead Barcelona in El Clasico despite the death of his father
Manager Hansi Flick will manage Barcelona against fierce rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico despite the death of his father.
Announcing the news on Sunday – a few hours before kick-off – the Catalan club said: “FC Barcelona and the entire blaugrana family wish to send all our love to Hansi Flick after the death of his father.
“We share your grief and our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.”
The 61-year-old’s father will be honored at the Nou Camp, with a minute’s silence before kick-off and players wearing black armbands during the match.
Anything but defeat for Flick’s side will see Barca crowned LaLiga champions for the second year in a row – and the first time in history that Spain’s top flight have been defeated in El Clasico.
In a statement, Los Blancos said: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of the father of Hansi Flick, coach of FC Barcelona.”
“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and love to his family and all his loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Mbappe made a decision
Real will be without striker Kylian Mbappe for the trip to their rivals, and the headlines in recent days have been full of tension in the substitute area.
Alvaro Carreras revealed he had a clash with defender Antonio Rudiger, while Federico Valverde and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni clashed on Thursday, with Valverde suffering a head injury that ruled him out of the Clasico.
Both players received fines of €500,000.
The good news for Madrid is the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from injury and the Belgian player will start at Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will be without star Lamine Yamal due to a hamstring injury he sustained while playing against Celta Vigo last month.
Where to watch Barca v Real Madrid: TV channel, live streaming online
Sunday’s kick-off will be at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), and will be broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports 1 and streaming is available on a range of devices via the Premier Sports app.
Premier Sports subscriptions cost £120 per year, £11.99 per month on a 12-month contract or £16.99 per month with 30 days’ cancellation notice required.
Barcelona v Real Madrid statistics
- The only time a Clasico decided the title was in the 1931/32 season, when Madrid drew 2-2 on the final day of the campaign to beat Athletic Club for glory.
- None of the last 12 La Liga meetings between the teams have been drawn, the longest run without a finish in a Clasico since the 18 games played between 1977 and 1986 (Madrid won 10, Barcelona eight)
- Barcelona’s 10-game winning streak in La Liga is currently their best run under Hansi Flick and puts the German on course to become the fifth coach in club history to collect 11 consecutive league titles, behind Pep Guardiola (16 and one of 11), Frank Rijkaard (14), Luis Enrique (12 Vilanova (11) and Tito Vilanova (11)
- Flick could join Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde as 21st century managers to win the league in their first two seasons in charge of Barca.
- Victory will make Flick the second Barcelona manager this century to win his first La Liga home game against Madrid, after Guardiola (first three)
- Barca have scored in each of their last 54 La Liga games, dating back to a 1-0 home defeat against Leganes in December 2024.
- Madrid have won eight of their last 12 La Liga meetings with Barcelona (L4), as many as they have won all 32 Clasico games in the competition (W8 D7 L17).
- They have lost their last five La Liga away games (W2 D1), which is as many defeats as they have lost in their last 17 in the competition (W12 D3 L2).
- Alvaro Arbeloa’s first Clasico gives him the opportunity to become the fifth Madrid coach to win his first managerial experience in this game, after Jose Quirante in 1929 (2-1), Carlos Queiroz in 2003 (2-1), Bernd Schuster in 2007 (1-0) and Zinedine Zidane in 2016 (2016)
- Vinicius Junior has eight goals in 23 games against Barcelona in all competitions, only scoring more against Valencia and Osasuna (nine)
