Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says his team's positioning and work off the ball is key to stopping Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé in Sunday's Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou. Barça have won all nine of their La Liga games so far this season and can open up a nine point lead over Madrid by beating them this weekend and making it 10 consecutive wins. Victory would also break the record, set by Los Blancos in 1968-69, for the best-ever start to a league season in Spain's top flight.
However, standing in their way is Jose Mourinho's Madrid, led by France star Mbappé, who has netted 12 goals in 12 appearances this season and will pose a major threat to Barça's backline. Flick emphasized the importance of compact defending and high-line positioning to limit Mbappé's influence. Despite their attacking prowess—scoring 50 goals in 12 games—Barça's defense has conceded 15 goals, including four against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
With Eric García, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, and Dani Olmo injured, Flick is expected to field the same back four that started in Paris: Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and João Cancelo. Flick praised Cubarsí and Martín's partnership and Espart's versatility. He also revealed the team has worked on defending set pieces after struggling against PSG, noting Madrid's strength in that area.
A win would move Barça nine points clear, but Flick stressed the Clásico transcends the points. "The Clásico is different," he said. "It's the best game. The whole world is looking at this game.".
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing