Barcelona were outclassed by Real Madrid and saw their perfect record against their bitter rivals since Hansi Flick’s arrival come to an end.
Xabi Alonso’s side looked sharper, more intense and outright better than the reigning La Liga champions. Real Madrid dominated Barcelona for stretches of the match and the 2–1 final score is even perhaps too kind for Flick’s side given what transpired at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The loss was Barcelona’s third in five October matches, the same exact number of defeats the Catalans had previously suffered through the first eight months of 2025.
Unconvincing performances have become synonymous with Barcelona in Flick’s sophomore season. The team looks miles off the level compared to a triumphant 2024–25 that heightened expectations coming into the campaign.
Fortunately for Barcelona there’s still plenty left to be written this season, but they’re now five points adrift of Los Blancos in La Liga following the El Clásico gut-punch. Right now, there’s more doubt than certainty surrounding the Blaugranas and significant change is needed to rebound from the negative run of results.
