Hansi Flick rewards Barcelona players with 'two extra days off' for hammering bitter rivals Real Madrid in first El Clasico of his reign

Barcelona destroyed arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-0 in the season's first El Clasico on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Two goals from Robert Lewandowski and a one each from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha saw Barca record their second statement victory of the week after defeating Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League.

After delivering back-to-back wins over two of the best clubs in Europe, the Blaugrana stars have earned themselves a well-deserved break as manager Flick confirmed he has granted 'two extra days off' to his players. The Catalan club currently enjoy a six-point lead over Los Blancos at the top of the league table.

Speaking to reporters after El Clasico, the German coach said, "When I started here, I wanted to create an environment where players could give their best. Their mentality is brilliant. It wasn’t easy today but we defended very well. We have to continue on this path. We can now go home and celebrate this victory. I have given the players two extra days off!"

Barca players will be back for training on October 29 to prepare for their upcoming La Liga fixture against neighbours Espanyol on November 3.