Flick backs collective defending to contain Mbappe in El Clasico

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick plans to counter Kylian Mbappe through coordinated team defending rather than individual marking when Real Madrid visit Camp Nou on October 25. Speaking before the match, Flick said compact positioning and pressure on the player with possession would be essential to protecting his high defensive line.

Mbappe has nine goals from nine La Liga appearances this season. Flick said Barcelona must control the spacing between players and organize effectively both when they have possession and when Madrid have the ball, making the central defenders' task easier.

The match follows Barcelona's 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, which ended their unbeaten opening to the 2026-27 season. Flick called for better defending than in Paris and identified Madrid's physical strength and ability at set pieces as threats his players had discussed.

An ankle problem has ruled Jules Kounde out of the contest. Flick nevertheless praised the communication and development of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, who have been paired in the starting lineup for six of Barcelona's opening 12 matches.

Barcelona have won their first nine league games, while Madrid have 21 points after seven wins and two defeats. Flick said he expected a confident opponent despite that gap, highlighting the quality of Madrid's attacking players.