Although Hansi Flick insists at every press conference that he is only thinking about the next game – and often lives up to his word – his mind was inevitably on this Sunday’s Clásico. He admitted as much after the game at the Parc des Princes (“of course it had an influence”), and it was clear from the moment he handed UEFA’s match delegate his starting lineup.

Rodri was nowhere to be seen on the field. The Madrid-born midfielder did not feel ready to play the full 90 minutes at maximum intensity, and Flick preferred not to take any risks, opting instead for Marc Bernal in midfield. The former Manchester City player came on when the game had settled down somewhat, although he still did not look particularly comfortable. He is a crucial player for the weekend, and Flick confirmed that he will play.

But there was more. Flick’s substitutions were clearly influenced by Sunday’s game. Under different circumstances, he might have made other decisions. Although he has substituted Pedri in every game this season except one (at La Cartuja last Saturday), Flick knows just how valuable the midfielder is and took him off after an hour.

He did the same with Raphinha. In the Brazilian’s case, Clásico or no Clásico, there was no reason to take any risks given that he had played only a few minutes against Betis. Finally, there was Xavi Espart, who was withdrawn in the 74th minute. Given his performance, the fact that Eric García will be unavailable and the slim chances of Koundé recovering from his ankle sprain, Flick could not afford to risk losing him too.

Flick now has four days to prepare for the clash with Real Madrid. He does so after suffering his first defeat of the season, with Christensen and Eric García definitely ruled out in defense and Koundé still a doubt.

In midfield, he will be without Dani Olmo, who may have suffered a tear in his right adductor.

At first glance, a likely lineup would be Joan García; Espart, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri, Fermín; Lamine, Raphinha and Gordon.

But there is still plenty of time between now and Sunday. What is clear is that, even with the European champions standing in front of him, Real Madrid influenced Flick’s decisions.

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