Barcelona chase clásico milestone as Flick backs Bardghji
Alejandro Hernández Hernández will referee El Clásico, prompting Barça fans’ concern after contentious calls in last season’s meeting at Montjuïc.
Lionel Messi hails Lamine Yamal as the best of the new generation. Yamal, Barça’s top scorer and creator this season, recently won Laureus Young Sportsperson of the Year.
Ex-president Bartomeu says Barça had an initial agreement with Vinícius Jr before Madrid outbid them for the 2018 transfer.
Barcelona confirm Hansi Flick’s father has died hours before El Clásico. Despite the tragedy, the coach is expected to lead Barca in a match that could seal the La Liga title.
Kylian Mbappe misses the clásico at Camp Nou with a hamstring injury. Barcelona can seal La Liga with a win or draw, while Madrid reel from fines for Valverde and Tchouameni after a training altercation.
Fermin Lopez insists he wants to stay at Barça long term despite links to Chelsea and Man United, saying fans ‘can rest assured’. He targets a key role for Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
Atlético believe Julián Álvarez could seek a summer exit. Barça are interested but a deal would require a fee above €100m amid attention from Arsenal and PSG.
Roony Bardghji is set to start on the right over Marcus Rashford, with Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez completing Barça’s front three. Flick values Roony’s fit, defensive help vs Vinícius and pace.
Carles Puyol praises Alessandro Bastoni but warns defending for Barcelona’s high line is tough. He says Deco must decide and notes feasibility will dictate any move amid other transfer priorities.
Flick downplays Madrid’s Valverde-Tchouaméni bust-up, saying such incidents happen and it is not his concern ahead of the Clásico.
Thibaut Courtois is set to start for Real Madrid at Camp Nou, boosting their defence. Kylian Mbappe is out, while Aurelien Tchouameni is in the squad. Barca can clinch the title with a result.
Barça can clinch La Liga and level the all-time Clásico wins (106-105) with victory. Flick’s side beat Madrid in three finals this season, though Madrid lead overall goals 444-439.
Barça will wear Olivia Rodrigo’s logo instead of Spotify’s in El Clásico, continuing the artist swaps seen with the Rolling Stones, Drake, Coldplay and Karol G.
Raphinha returns from injury, says the rival ‘suits’ him but he is ‘not Lamine’. He wants to stay until 2028 and could play a key role vs Madrid.
