Barcelona seek rapid response as El Clasico follows PSG defeat

Barcelona’s players appeared visibly affected by their 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain as they arrived for training on Thursday, with Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid now approaching.

Spanish programme El Chiringuito published video footage showing several Barcelona players arriving at the training ground in their cars. The players appeared subdued and serious, reflecting the impact of the Champions League loss just days before one of the biggest fixtures of the season.

The post by El Chiringuito TV was captioned: “Long faces from the Barca players arriving at training. Flick’s players are already preparing for Sunday’s El Clasico.” It was published on 21 October, 2026, and credited to @marccnunezz.

#### Defensive problems exposed

Barcelona were beaten 4-2 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, conceding four goals in a match which highlighted defensive weaknesses. Although they scored twice, the result left the team facing a difficult atmosphere as they prepare for their next major test.

The defeat was more than a setback in the European competition. Its timing has increased the pressure on the squad, with Barcelona required to regain their balance quickly as a demanding run of fixtures continues.

That makes the players’ mental state an important issue for manager Hansi Flick. Alongside addressing the defensive errors exposed against Paris Saint-Germain, the German coach must ensure his squad is ready both physically and psychologically for the challenge ahead.

There is little time for Barcelona to dwell on the result. Attention has already turned to Real Madrid and Sunday’s El Clasico, a match of major importance to the Catalan club’s prospects on both sporting and psychological levels.

The fixture offers Flick’s players an immediate chance to respond on the pitch and move beyond the disappointment of their European defeat. A strong performance would also give the coaching staff an opportunity to demonstrate that the team can cope with a setback and rebuild confidence within a short period.

Flick therefore faces a dual task before the game: correcting the problems that contributed to the defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and preparing his players for the physical and emotional demands of facing Real Madrid.