Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will miss the first Clasico of the season with Real Madrid after being sent off in his side’s last-gasp 2-1 victory over Girona on Saturday. The German received his marching orders for an angry protest as the Spanish champions moved above their fierce rivals at the top of La Liga thanks to defender Ronald Araujo’s late winner.
Flick received marching orders after arguing with officials
As Barcelona searched for a way past Girona in the dying embers of the game, Flick was left seething when the fourth official announced there would be just four minutes of additional time at the Olympic Stadium. With emotions running high as his side chased a crucial winner in their attempts to leapfrog great rivals Real at the summit, the 60-year-old argued with the officials over the amount of time added on and received two yellow cards in quick succession from referee Jesus Gil Manzano.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportGerman makes gesture after Araujo netted last-gasp winner
However, despite being sent off, Flick was seen making a gesture near the dugout after Araujo netted the all-important winner for Barcelona. Slapping his left hand against his right arm twice, it is not clear if Flick aimed the motion towards either the referee or the fourth official after Araujo met Frenkie de Jong’s cross to spark wild celebrations among the hosts.
Flick to miss first Clasico of the 2025-26 season after dismissal
Flick’s dismissal means he will be absent from the touchline when Barcelona travel to Real next Sunday. The Blaugrana face Greek side Olympiacos in their next Champions League fixture on Tuesday before heading to the Santiago Bernabeu for what should be a mouth-watering clash. Despite Barcelona’s victory over Girona – which saw Axel Witsel cancel out Pedri’s opener – Real have the opportunity to reclaim top spot in La Liga when they face Getafe on Sunday.
Getty Images SportBarcelona boosted by return of star man Yamal against Girona
While Barcelona have suffered a blow following Flick’s red card, they have been boosted by the return of Lamine Yamal following the persistent groin injury which saw him miss Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. Having also missed his side’s 4-1 defeat by Sevilla before the international break, Yamal was named in the starting lineup against Girona and recorded the assist for Pedri’s opener, before being substituted in the second half.