Flick finalizes Yamal - Rashford - Ferran for El Clasico
Hansi Flick decided to use the trio of Lamine Yamal - Marcus Rashford - Ferran Torres for the El Clasico at Bernabeu at 10:15 p.m. on October 26; Barca (22 points) chase Real Madrid (24 points) in La Liga 2025/26.
Bernabeu will be on fire at 22:15 on October 26, when Hansi Flick bets on speed and directness: Lamine Yamal - Marcus Rashford - Ferran Torres will be Barca's starting attacking trio against Real Madrid. The bold decision comes in the context of Robert Lewandowski's injury, Raphinha's fitness is not yet 100%; and it can decide the top spot in La Liga after 10 rounds, when Barca has 22 points and Real is leading with 24 points.
Personnel developments before the ball rolls
Hansi Flick's daring attacking trio
According to MB, Hansi Flick has been dissecting every detail of the Clasico for many days and changing the training rhythm to prepare for the high-speed scenario. Instead of the familiar formula Yamal - Raphinha - Lewandowski, Flick chose Yamal - Rashford - Ferran Torres to maximize speed, penetration and efficiency in transition phases.
Ferran Torres has impressed in recent training sessions with his fitness, work rate and ability to dominate space. Rashford, with his speed and sprints in behind the defence, has been given a key spearhead role. Lamine Yamal, despite being hampered by a groin injury this season, is expected to make a difference from the right flank with his runs and decisive finishing/assistance in the half-space.
The problem of central defenders next to Pau Cubarsi
While the attack is clear, Flick is still considering who to partner with Pau Cubarsi: Ronald Araujo or Eric Garcia. This choice will directly affect the safety when Barca pushes the squad high to press and counter-attack quickly - a key detail against an opponent with the ability to switch states very well like Real Madrid.
Tactical analysis: pace and space
Rashford explodes in the middle
Flick's idea is to stretch Real's defense with diagonal runs behind the center-backs and full-backs, taking advantage of every gap to launch sharp counter-attacks. Rashford will be the first destination for vertical passes or quick passes after Barca regain control.
Yamal drifts right, unlocks one-on-one
From the right, Yamal will take on the full-back one-on-one, trying to win the one-on-one to get into the half-space. As Yamal carries the man, Rashford has more space to run and the second-line satellites have space to run into.
Ferran Torres: effective without the ball
Ferran helps Barca maintain the pressing structure and apply counter-pressure when the ball is lost. His work rate, positioning and understanding of his teammates' movements make him a perfect fit for Flick's plan to increase the tempo.
Background and key statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Time - location | 22:15, October 26; Bernabeu Stadium |
| Tournament | La Liga 2025/26 (first leg) |
| Pre-match scores | Real Madrid 24 points; Barca 22 points |
| Top of the table | Barca wins to take top spot after 10 matches; draw/lose, Real keeps top spot |
| Head to head last season (under Flick) | Barca won all 4 matches: 2 in La Liga, Spanish Super Cup final, King's Cup final |
Compared to last season, Flick himself admitted that Barca could not maintain the same pace, while Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid are in good form after a 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League group stage.
Reaction and border
Xabi Alonso has insisted Real are ready for El Clasico, stressing the spirit of revenge after a run of four defeats last season. On the other side, Barca could face a special situation in the technical area: if Hansi Flick's card is not overturned, Thiago Alcantara could temporarily take over.
Impact and prospects
El Clasico is always worth more than three points. For Barca, a win would not only secure the top spot but also reinforce the belief in Flick's speed-and-direct philosophy in a difficult period of personnel. For Real, a positive result against an opponent who defeated them four times last season would add credibility to Xabi Alonso's project.
Although the scenario on the field is still open, the pieces are clear: Barca pursue speed and space, Real Madrid neutralize with organization and current form. The thin line between calculation and risk will be determined by each move, each decision of the three strikers Yamal - Rashford - Ferran.
