According to a report by GOAL on Friday, October 23, 2026, Barcelona midfielder Pedri has described El Clasico as “the greatest motivation” as Hansi Flick’s side prepare to face Real Madrid on Sunday following their disappointing Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona suffered a 4-2 defeat to PSG at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, ending their unbeaten start to the season. However, Pedri believes the upcoming showdown against their fierce rivals offers the perfect opportunity for the team to bounce back.

“Coming back to victory in #ElClasico is a great challenge and the greatest motivation,” Pedri wrote on Instagram.

“In front of PSG we compete, in front of a great rival and on a great stage, and we know the way. We have confidence and we have football. Here we go!”

The Catalan giants will host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou in the 10th round of La Liga, with Flick’s team hoping to maintain their impressive domestic form.

Barcelona have won all nine of their opening league matches, collecting 27 points and scoring 39 goals. Another victory would make them the first team to win their opening 10 La Liga fixtures, while also extending their lead over Real Madrid to nine points.

However, Flick faces several selection concerns ahead of the encounter. Dani Olmo is expected to miss the match after picking up an injury against PSG, while Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen are also unavailable. Rodri, meanwhile, is expected to return to the starting line-up after coming on as a substitute in Paris.

Barcelona will also rely on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to provide an attacking threat against their rivals. The youngster has scored eight goals in nine league appearances this season.

Real Madrid head into the contest after securing a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in midweek. Jose Mourinho’s side currently have 21 points, six behind Barcelona, and will be eager to reduce the gap at the top of the table.

Kylian Mbappe is expected to pose one of Madrid’s biggest threats, having established an impressive scoring record against Barcelona. Mourinho has also expressed frustration over his team having 24 hours less recovery time than their opponents ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Barcelona have won their last two home league meetings against Real Madrid, while Flick remains unbeaten in his first seven El Clasico encounters, recording six victories and one draw.