Barcelona are in full concentration ahead of El Clásico against Real Madrid, set for this Sunday, October 26, at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match could decide the LaLiga EA Sports leadership, keeping Hansi Flick’s coaching staff on high alert as they make final adjustments while managing several squad doubts.

Araújo, Flick’s Key Card for the Bernabéu

Among the options the German coach is considering is Ronald Araújo, one of the most motivated players in the squad. The Uruguayan could step in for Jules Koundé, who is nursing a knock, or strengthen the central defense if Eric García shifts to full-back. “They’re a great team, with players of real quality. It will be tough,” Araújo told the club’s media.

The defender expressed optimism ahead of the clash and highlighted the team’s momentum: “We’re in good form, we have a competitive squad and the quality to win.” He also stressed that the key will be to enjoy the game: “Whenever we’ve done that in past Clásicos, things have gone well for us.”

Araújo already knows what it means to be decisive against their eternal rivals. In the 4–0 win at the Bernabéu in the 2022–23 season, he scored one of the goals in that unforgettable night, and in the last league match, he was the hero again, netting the winner against Girona.

Good and Bad News for Flick

Friday’s training session brought both positives and setbacks for Barcelona. On the bright side, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen returned after missing previous days due to a stomach virus. Both trained normally and are expected to be available for the trip to Madrid.

On the downside, Raphinha was ruled out again after suffering a relapse of his hamstring injury, making his participation in El Clásico highly unlikely. Koundé, meanwhile, sat out training as a precaution, though the coaching staff remains hopeful he’ll recover in time.

Additionally, several Barça Atlètic players —including Diego Kochen, Jofre Torrents, and Toni Fernández— joined the first team to complete the session.

The team will train again on Saturday before assistant coach Marcus Sorg faces the media. Uncertainty also lingers on the bench, as the club awaits a decision from the Administrative Sports Tribunal (TAD) regarding Hansi Flick’s one-match suspension following his red card against Girona.

With the league lead and pride on the line, Barcelona approach the final hours before El Clásico filled with focus, hope, and the pressure to shine once again at the Bernabéu.