Flick’s big-game record under scrutiny after Barcelona lose another Clasico

Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid in Sunday’s first La Liga Clasico has renewed questions over Hansi Flick’s record against leading managers.

Flick has delivered notable achievements since taking charge of Barcelona in the summer of 2024, but his time at the club has also been marked by repeated difficulties against some of Europe’s most highly regarded coaches, with Carlo Ancelotti the notable exception.

During Flick’s first season in charge, Barcelona lost 2-1 to Atletico de Madrid under Diego Simeone before recovering to win the return fixture 4-2.

The Catalan club did, however, beat Real Madrid home and away while Ancelotti was in charge. Barcelona’s European campaign ended in the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they were eliminated by Inter Milan, managed by Simone Inzaghi.

The problems continued into the 2025/2026 season.

Barcelona were beaten 2-1 by Paris Saint-Germain, led by Luis Enrique, and suffered the same scoreline against Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso in the Clasico.

Flick’s side also lost 3-0 to Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, in the Champions League. Their European campaign then came to an end against Atletico de Madrid and Simeone.

The Madrid club also proved too strong in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Barcelona were beaten 4-0 in the first leg and, despite winning the return match 3-0, were eliminated from the competition.

This season, Barcelona have already lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Sunday’s defeat by Real Madrid added another setback against a major coach to Flick’s record.

The pattern has raised concerns over Barcelona’s ambitions, particularly in Europe. The club are seeking to win the Champions League for the first time since 2015.

Barcelona’s hopes of returning to the top of European football could face a serious threat if the team continues to struggle in high-profile matches. Reaching the final stages of the competition would require them to overcome several of the continent’s leading clubs, as well as the managers guiding them.