Barcelonas De Jong returns from 155-day absence in Clasico defeat

Frenkie de Jong made his long-awaited return for Barcelona after 155 days out, but his comeback ended in disappointment as Real Madrid won 2-1 in La Liga.

The Netherlands midfielder was introduced by manager Hansi Flick in the 74th minute at Spotify Camp Nou, replacing Fermin Lopez. With the score level at 1-1, Flick turned to De Jong in an attempt to revitalise Barcelona’s midfield and find a winning goal.

The home supporters gave De Jong a warm reception as he came on, marking his first appearance for the club since a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

His return came during an open and competitive Clasico played at a high tempo. Flick used De Jong on the right side of midfield, alongside the area of the pitch occupied by Pedri.

However, Barcelona’s hopes of completing the comeback were ended in the 87th minute. Real Madrid broke forward on the counter-attack and Kylian Mbappe finished the move to secure victory and deny Barcelona all three points.

De Jong suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on 23 July 2026, an injury that kept him out of action for several months. His only competitive involvement during that period came with the Netherlands at the summer World Cup.

The midfielder had previously acknowledged that he understood why some Barcelona supporters were unhappy to see him playing for his country while he remained unavailable to his club.

Despite the defeat, Sport described De Jong’s return as a positive development for both Barcelona and Flick. His gradual reintegration gives the midfielder the opportunity to rebuild his fitness and regain his match rhythm as the season enters its next phase.