Getty Images SportHansi Flick's Clasico call questioned by Toni Kroos as ex-Real Madrid star criticises Barcelona failed defensive plan to tame Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
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Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
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Getty/GOALGarcia start called out by ex-Madrid midfielder
Speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, Kroos explained that Barcelona’s defensive setup made little sense given Madrid’s attacking threat, singling out Flick’s centre-back selection as a major flaw.
“In the centre of defence, I don't understand why Garcia is playing,” Kroos said. “Football-wise, he’s slightly better than Araujo, but Araujo has the physical strength to chase down opponents more, especially when you're defending so high up the pitch. He would have been the ideal player for that style of play and that opponent.”
The ex-Los Blancos midfielder went on to emphasise how Barca’s lack of pace at the back played straight into Madrid’s hands. “When you have Mbappe and Vinícius up against you, you need someone who can match that pace,” he added. “Araujo can do that. I was very surprised by his absence.”
Indeed, Barcelona’s defenders struggled to contain the electric duo throughout the game, with Vinicius repeatedly stretching the backline and Mbappe exploiting the spaces behind. Flick’s decision to leave out Araujo left many fans and pundits baffled, with Kroos’s comments echoing a growing sense that Barca’s defensive organisation cost them dearly.
Getty Images SportPost-match El Clasico chaos and Flick’s next steps
Tensions boiled over after the final whistle, as several Madrid players confronted Lamine Yamal in a heated exchange. Dani Carvajal told the 18-year-old: “You speak too much. Speak now,” referring to Yamal’s pre-match Twitch comments joking that “Real Madrid steal.” The incident quickly escalated, with Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham joining the fray before officials intervened to separate the sides.
The defeat leaves Barca five points adrift of league leaders Real, forcing Flick to reassess his defensive options and tactical setup. The German coach has acknowledged the loss of Martinez as a major blow and is expected to shuffle his backline in upcoming fixtures. Barcelona now turn their attention to their next La Liga clash against Elche, hoping to regain momentum before the international break. With injuries still mounting and tensions rising, Flick’s immediate task will be restoring belief in a squad that remains talented but fragile after a bruising Clasico setback.
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