Real Madrid will face Barcelona in El Clásico without their goalkeeper after a sudden bout of flu ruled the Belgian out of the squad, the club announced on Sunday morning. Manager Mourinho called up goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn to take his place on the roster for the fixture at Camp Nou.

The late withdrawal creates a challenge for Real Madrid as they prepare to face Barcelona under Flick. Across the last six Clásicos managed by Flick, Barcelona has claimed five victories, with Real Madrid’s sole win coming last season under Xabi Alonso by a 2-1 margin before a 2-0 return-leg victory secured the title for the Catalan side.

Real Madrid Coach Returns to Camp Nou

Real Madrid’s leadership on the touchline brings intense history back to the stadium. Having previously worked as an assistant to Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal, the visiting coach returns to a venue where local supporters hold animosity following years of heated confrontations during his prior stints with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. Records show the manager has secured two wins out of 13 matches played at Camp Nou across those various clubs.

Despite the sudden loss of their goalkeeper, Real Madrid enters the fixture carrying momentum. The squad arrives on the back of four consecutive victories following the international break, having netted 12 goals across their last three matches while displaying sharp form, particularly in a performance against Sevilla.

Illia Voloshyn Joins Squad After Flu Illness

Illia Voloshyn steps into the matchday squad following the confirmation of the illness. The club’s official announcement arrived via a morning statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, confirming that the flu forced the late roster alteration.

With audiences tracking the fixture across various time zones, kickoff at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, highlights a weekend in domestic league competition.