Barcelona’sinconsistent run of recent form continued as the defending La Liga champions suffered a 2-1 El Clasico loss at Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick won all four of his first games against Real Madrid last season – but he was forced to watch on from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu stands – due to a one-game touchline ban.
First-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham did the damage for Xabi Alonso’s team as Los Blancos move five points clear at the top of the rankings after 10 games played.
Fermin Lopez hauled Barcelona back into to the contest, but their attack failed to fire, as Pedri was sent off in added time for the visitors.
Lamne Yamal scored three goals in four appearances against Real Madrid last season, but he was well shackled by the hosts defence in the Spanish capital, before being involved in a post-match row with Vinicius Junior.
The 18-year-old failed to register a shot on target, the first time he’s missed the mark as a La Liga starter this season, with a personal xG of just 0.03.
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Flick’s assistant Marcus Sorg, who led the team in Madrid, admitted the occasion got the better of the Span international.
“It wasn’t easy for him today. We spoke at half-time, we told him we needed him to go one-on-one, but he didn’t have many chances. They defended well, they tried everything to stop him, and we have to accept that,” as per Marca.
“He was fine, but we must remember the injury he had was serious, and he needs more games to be at his best. We have to give him time and help him to get back to his best. The opponents looked for him and double marked him to stop him from going inside the box or scoring.
“He’s young and needs to improve, and we’ll help him. Maybe the atmosphere at the Bernabeu affected him. He’s very motivated and played well. But, it wasn’t an easy game for him.”
Barcelona now only have a short window to recover ahead of a home tie with Elche on November 2.
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