According to a report by GOAL on Friday October 23, 2026, Barcelona midfielder Pedri has described El Clasico as “the greatest motivation” as Hansi Flick’s side prepare to face Real Madrid on Sunday following their disappointing Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona suffered a 4-2 loss against PSG at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, bringing their unbeaten start to the season to an end. However, Pedri believes the upcoming clash with their fierce rivals provides the perfect opportunity to respond.

“Coming back to victory in #ElClasico is a great challenge and the greatest motivation,” Pedri wrote on Instagram.

“In front of PSG we compete, in front of a great rival and on a great stage, and we know the way. We have confidence and we have football. Here we go!”

The Catalan giants will welcome Real Madrid to Spotify Camp Nou for the 10th round of La Liga, with Flick’s team looking to maintain their impressive domestic form.

Barcelona have won all nine of their opening league matches, collecting 27 points and scoring 39 goals. Another victory would see them become the first team to win their opening 10 La Liga fixtures, while also extending their advantage over Madrid to nine points.

However, Flick faces several selection concerns ahead of the encounter. Dani Olmo is expected to miss the match after suffering an injury against PSG, while Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen are also unavailable. Rodri, meanwhile, is expected to return to the starting line-up after coming on as a substitute in Paris.

Barcelona will also look to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has scored eight goals in nine league appearances this season, to provide an attacking threat against their rivals.

Real Madrid head into the contest after beating RB Leipzig 4-1 in midweek. Jose Mourinho’s side currently have 21 points, six behind Barcelona, and will be determined to close the gap at the top of the table.

Kylian Mbappe is expected to be one of Madrid’s biggest threats, having developed an impressive scoring record against Barcelona. Mourinho has also complained about his team having 24 hours less recovery time than their opponents before Sunday’s showdown.

Barcelona have won their last two home league meetings with Madrid, while Flick remains unbeaten in his first seven Clasicos, recording six victories and one draw.