A final decision has been made on the controversial red card of Hansi Flick, shaping FC Barcelona’s approach for El Clasico.
Despite positive injury updates for Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, and Raphinha, the Blaugrana face a critical challenge off the pitch.
With injuries already testing their depth and Ronald Araujo’s reported frustrations adding pressure, a recent disciplinary ruling has confirmed a significant absence on the touchline, forcing Barcelona to adapt for one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
According to Diario Sport, the Spanish Sports Arbitration Tribunal (TAD) has rejected Barcelona’s final appeal to suspend Hansi Flick’s one-match ban, confirming he will miss El Clasico.
The German manager was sent off against Girona for sarcastically applauding referee Gil Manzano’s decision to add only four minutes of stoppage time, followed by a gesture deemed “obscene.”
Despite Barcelona’s protests, with the club arguing the punishment was disproportionate, the TAD upheld the sanction after earlier rejections by the RFEF’s Competition and Appeals Committees, citing the match report.
Assistant manager Marcus Sorg will take charge, as he did in 2024 against Leganés and Atlético Madrid when Hansi Flick served a two-match ban for a similar incident against Real Betis.
Sorg, set to address the media on Saturday, faces a daunting task against Xabi Alonso’s Madrid, who are without David Alaba but boast Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
Barcelona’s €380m Spotify deal supports their ambition, but Flick’s absence could disrupt tactical cohesion, especially with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres leading a depleted attack.
The Olympiacos rout showcased Barcelona’s potential, but defensive lapses must be addressed.
With only Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Marc-André ter Stegen ruled out, Sorg must channel Flick’s intensity.
The TAD’s ruling, per the report, adds fuel to Barcelona’s sense of injustice, but their focus now shifts to proving their mettle on the pitch, aiming to seize La Liga’s top spot in a high-stakes Clasico.
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