Hansi Flick and José Mourinho are set to cross paths once again. This time, for the first time, they will meet in a Clásico, when FC Barcelona host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou this Sunday. It will be only the second meeting between the two coaches, following their encounter in the 2019/20 season, when the German was in charge of Bayern Munich and the Portuguese was managing Tottenham Hotspur.

Flick came out on top on that occasion, in the group stage of the 2019/20 Champions League. The match at the Allianz Arena ended in a convincing 3-1 victory for Bayern, with goals from Coman, Müller and former Barça man Coutinho. It was another step in a remarkable campaign for the Bavarians, who went on to complete a historic sextuple.

Victories over Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa

Hansi Flick's record against Real Madrid is close to impeccable. The German coach has enjoyed tremendous success in the Clásico, winning six of his seven encounters with Barça's biggest rivals. Four of those victories have also helped bring silverware to the club: two Spanish Super Cups (2024/25 and 2025/26), a Copa del Rey (2024/25) and a La Liga title (2025/26).

Those successes have come against three different Real Madrid coaches. Flick first got the better of Carlo Ancelotti on four occasions before facing Xabi Alonso twice, winning one encounter and losing the other in the first league Clásico of 2025/26. He then emerged victorious in his only meeting with Álvaro Arbeloa. Three different coaches, all of whom have experienced the challenge of facing Flick's Barça. Now comes a new chapter in the rivalry: Flick versus Mourinho.

Mourinho and Barça: a fiercely contested rivalry

During his first spell as Real Madrid coach (2010–2013), Mourinho faced Barça 17 times across La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. It was a period of fierce competition and intense rivalry, producing some unforgettable Clásicos, including Barça's historic 5-0 league victory in 2010/11 and the Champions League semi-finals later that season.

The Portuguese coach's record against the Catalans stands at five wins, six draws and six defeats. Over time, the encounters became increasingly closely fought, with shifting fortunes, tactical battles and no shortage of drama.

Now the stage is set for another chapter in Clásico history. Flick's Barça have won every league game so far this season and sit proudly at the top of the table, while Mourinho's Real Madrid are third, six points behind the leaders. That gap in the standings adds another intriguing dimension to one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season.

A Barça v Real Madrid clash is always a special occasion, and this Sunday's meeting has an added attraction: Flick and Mourinho going head-to-head in a Clásico for the very first time.