Barcelona have confirmed the death of Hansi Flick’s father on the morning of their El Clasico clash with Real Madrid. The news has dampened the atmosphere at Spotify Camp Nou where the club had been preparing for a title celebration, with Flick has reportedly decided to stay with his team for the match before returning to Germany to be with his family.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has jumped to the defence of Kylian Mbappe following suggestions that Real Madrid might actually be a more cohesive unit without the French superstar. As the two Spanish giants prepare for a crucial Clasico showdown, Flick dismissed the notion that Los Blancos' level improves when he is absent

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has played down talk of turmoil at Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico. The German insisted he would not comment on issues inside the Madrid camp but acknowledged the threat posed by Kylian Mbappe.

With Barcelona still said to be mulling over whether to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis, the on-loan Manchester United attacker provided a timely - and hugely important - reminder of his worth as Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday evening to move 14 points clear at the top of La Liga. The Blaugrana were struggling dismally to break down their hosts when Flick decided to bring Rashford on midway through the second half of the game in Pamplona.

Barcelona have received a timely lift ahead of the decisive stretch of the Liga season, with Raphinha returning from injury. The Brazilian winger is back in the squad as Hansi Flick’s side prepare for a key clash with Osasuna.