Real Madrid beware, Barca is coming!

Barca enters El Clasico with high spirits, strong mentality, and great confidence after their demolition of Olympiacos in the 2025/26 Champions League qualifying round. This was not just a victory but a statement that although Real is stable, Barca remains the reigning La Liga champion.

This weekend, Barca will travel to Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium for the 10th round of La Liga 2025/26. In that El Clasico match, coach Hansi Flick’s team must win if they want to snatch the top spot from their direct rival. Nothing is more perfect than Barca “threatening” Real by crushing Olympiacos 6-1, a tennis set score that is very hard to achieve in a tournament like the Champions League.

In the game against Olympiacos, Barca did not field their strongest lineup. This decision is understandable due to some key players’ fitness concerns, injuries, and also because coach Hansi Flick wanted to rest players for the upcoming match against Real. For example, winger Raphinha was not included in the squad, and midfielder Frenkie de Jong only came on in the second half. All these were part of Barca and Flick’s tactical plan.

Although not playing with their strongest team, Barca delivered an impressive performance against Olympiacos. Perhaps partly because Olympiacos is too weak, but the fact remains that even without their best lineup, Barca was far superior to the Greek side. They completely controlled the game, played proactive attacking football, and suffocated Olympiacos.

Statistics show that in this match, the Catalan team controlled possession for 72.5% of the time. They made 14 shots on goal, 7 of which were on target, resulting in 6 goals, with many more chances missed. This can be excused as the lineup included many young or substitute players who lacked sharpness and were a bit rushed.

What pleases Barca fans and surely worries Real is that coach Hansi Flick’s star players showed they are ready to shake the opponent’s net. Marcus Rashford shone with a brace against Olympiacos, along with his quick, skillful dribbling and impressive playmaking. The 2025 Golden Boy, Lamine Yamal, also contributed a goal in Barca’s big win.

Fermin Lopez scored a hat-trick against the Greek team. It’s worth recalling that Ferran Torres, not Rashford or Fermin Lopez, was initially chosen to replace Lewy as the main striker. But today, Fermin and Rashford showed Raphinha and Lewy that if they perform below par, their spots will be at risk immediately.

Moreover, seeing Rashford, Fermin Lopez, and Ferran Torres play, Barca’s management and Flick probably have a plan for when Lewy’s contract expires at the end of this season. Spending 30 million to buy Rashford outright from MU would be a very smart move for Barca. When this clause is triggered, Barca, MU, and Rashford will all be satisfied.

Watching the “B team” play, Flick is relaxed and satisfied. He affirms that Barca is playing at a very high level, with cohesive teamwork and plenty of attacking options regardless of the forward line — something not only Real but all opponents should be wary of when Barca performs at their best.

According to Flick, Barca is ready for the El Clasico at Bernabeu this weekend. The German strategist also warned Real Madrid to find a way to contain his protégé Lamine Yamal because Flick is confident that: “Lamine always knows how to shine in big matches. I have never doubted that!” In fact, even Inter, known for having one of the best defenses in the Champions League, couldn’t stop Yamal, so it will be even harder for Real.

Furthermore, at this moment, Yamal is fueled by “love,” playing very brilliantly and creatively. Real will surely hope Alvaro Carreras has enough composure, determination, and cunning to neutralize Yamal.

One notable fact is that Barca has become a nemesis for Real Madrid under coach Hansi Flick. Barca has won all four El Clasico matches since the German coach was appointed by president Joan Laporta. Impressively, Barca averages 4 goals per game against Los Blancos.

This is another confidence boost for Barca aiming for another victory over Real, while new coach Xabi Alonso will need to do everything possible to end this streak. Alonso’s Real must not only fight to protect the top spot but also seek joy against their archrival Barca. Beating Barca would reduce their arrogance and confidence, while giving Real extra motivation to chase the mid-season title before the year ends.

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