According to a report by Barca Universal on Thursday October 22, 2026, Barcelona youngster Xavi Espart is expected to start against Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico after impressing head coach Hansi Flick with his performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

According to journalist Javi Miguel of AS, the 19-year-old academy graduate has strengthened his chances of retaining the right-back position ahead of the highly anticipated clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Espart impressed despite Barcelona’s 4-2 defeat to PSG, helping to contain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia while also scoring a goal. His defensive discipline and attacking contribution reportedly convinced Flick that he deserves another opportunity in the starting lineup.

The youngster’s expected inclusion has also been influenced by Jules Kounde’s fitness concerns. The French defender is recovering from an ankle sprain and is unlikely to be fit enough to start against Real Madrid. Even if he makes the matchday squad, he could begin on the bench.

Espart has already caught Flick’s attention with his performances at left-back, where he has competed with established options such as Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde. His display on the opposite flank against PSG has now strengthened his case for further first-team opportunities.

Sunday’s encounter will present a different challenge, with Espart potentially facing Yan Diomande following Vinicius Junior’s suspension. The 19-year-old will need to maintain his concentration and defensive discipline against Real Madrid’s attacking threats.

His performance against PSG was particularly encouraging because he reportedly managed discomfort in his quadriceps before the match. He had worked with a physiotherapist to ease the tension and also took a heavy knock to his ankle during the game.

However, according to the report, neither issue is expected to prevent him from featuring against Real Madrid.

Unless there is a late change, Barcelona could field the same back four that started against PSG, with Espart at right-back, Cancelo on the left and Pau Cubarsi partnering Gerard Martin in central defence.

Espart’s potential start would represent another opportunity for Barcelona’s academy to make an impact in a major fixture. A strong performance against Real Madrid could also strengthen his position in Flick’s plans beyond the weekend.

Barcelona head into the Clasico looking to respond to their European setback and protect their six-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga. A victory would extend that advantage to nine points, increasing the importance of Sunday’s encounter.