The key facts

  • Barcelona lost to PSG 2:4 in Paris, suffering their first defeat of the season
  • Flick left Rodri on the bench to rest ahead of El Clásico against Real
  • PSG have injuries to Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos

Rodri rotation ahead of El Clásico

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said that Rodri will return to the starting lineup in Sunday's El Clásico against Real after being left on the bench for the Champions League match against PSG. According to the coach, the midfielder has played many minutes for the national team and in the club's recent matches. Flick spoke with the player in the morning and explained the decision: Marc Bernal started instead of Rodri. The coach called it a good decision and expressed hope that Rodri would be fresh for Sunday's game. Rodri came on after an hour of play in Paris.

How the match in Paris unfolded

The 2:4 defeat to PSG was Barcelona's first of the season. The Catalans came back twice: Javi Espart and Lamine Yamal responded to goals from Désiré Doué and Lucas Hernández. Yamal equalized in the 79th minute, but two minutes later Vitinha put PSG ahead again, and Fabián Ruiz sealed the win for the trophy holders.

Flick's assessment

Flick called the match excellent from both sides but noted that Barcelona made too many mistakes, especially in possession. He emphasized that he saw a lot of good as well and called the game a good test that exposed mistakes that need to be corrected. 'We must learn from this match. Today, in October, you cannot win titles. The Champions League is won in June,' the coach said. He also admitted that the upcoming El Clásico, in which Barcelona could move nine points clear of Real in La Liga, influenced the lineup choice 'strongly'.

Injuries at PSG

Barcelona lost Dani Olmo to injury in Paris, while the winners lost two of their main attacking players — Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — as well as captain Marquinhos, who did not finish the match. Dembélé injured his hamstring in the first half. 'I am not a doctor, but three players injured is the worst thing to take away from today's game,' said PSG coach Luis Enrique, calling the loss of three important players the worst news.

PSG cruising in the league phase

PSG have won their first three league-phase matches, scoring 14 goals, and are chasing a third consecutive Champions League trophy. The team is close to qualifying for the playoffs: the top eight teams of the league phase advance directly to the round of 16. Enrique is not relaxing, though: he recalled that the team has already played both opponents from pot one, after a 4:2 win over Manchester City last week. 'But let me remind you that last year we also won our first three matches and did not make the top 8. We will enjoy it, and then start thinking about the weekend match against Lyon,' the coach said.