FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick shaped his team selection and tactical substitutions during the UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris St Germain directly around the upcoming Clásico against Real Madrid, as reported by as.com. Speaking after the defeat at the Parc des Princes, Flick acknowledged that Sunday’s fixture influenced his decisions from the moment he submitted his starting lineup to UEFA delegates.

Squad Management and Tactical Adjustments in Paris

The absence of Rodri from the starting XI highlighted Flick’s immediate priority. The midfielder lacked the physical sensations required to sustain maximum intensity across a full 90 minutes, prompting the German coach to deploy Marc Bernal in the center of the pitch instead. Rodri eventually entered the match after the tempo dropped, though he appeared visibly unaccustomed to the pace. Flick confirmed following the match that the former Manchester City player will feature against Real Madrid.

Substitutions throughout the second half followed the same preservation strategy. Pedri, whom Flick has utilized in every single match this season except one in La Cartuja, was withdrawn at the hour mark to protect the valuable midfielder. A similar precaution applied to Raphinha, who returned from limited minutes against Real Betis and was removed early to prevent unnecessary strain. Xavi Espart also exited the pitch in the 74th minute, shielding him from fatigue given that Eric Garcia is sidelined and Jules Koundé remains doubtful due to a sprained ankle.

Squad Fitness Concerns Ahead of Sunday’s Clásico

Barcelona enters the four-day preparation window for Real Madrid following their first defeat of the campaign. Defensive options are severely limited with Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia ruled out definitively, alongside the ongoing fitness questions surrounding Koundé. In midfield, the squad lost Dani Olmo to a suspected adductor tear in his right leg.

Despite the mounting injuries and the caliber of the reigning European champions standing on the opposite side of the pitch in Paris, the looming fixture against Madrid ultimately dictated Flick’s management of personnel and minutes on the field.