Barcelona’s defeat to Real Madrid has left Hansi Flick facing difficult questions after his side’s impressive start to the La Liga campaign came to an end.

Kylian Mbappe proved decisive in the 2-1 victory at Spotify Camp Nou, scoring twice to leave the Catalans frustrated on home soil.

Raphinha briefly gave Barcelona hope of rescuing a result when he levelled the score in the second half.

However, the Brazilian’s goal was not enough to prevent Real Madrid from taking all three points.

The result was made worse by another defensive injury, with Flick losing a promising young player during one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar.

Barcelona’s growing list of absentees has made the emergence of academy prospects particularly important this season.

Xavi Espart has now broken his silence after suffering an injury during El Clasico, insisting he is determined to return stronger.

Xavi Espart breaks silence after injury setback

The 19-year-old wrote on Instagram, “Hurt by the defeat, with only one thing on my mind: coming back as soon as possible and stronger. They won’t beat us.”

The defender also shared photographs from the match, including one showing Raphinha checking on him after he went down injured.

Xavi Espart was hurt following a challenge involving Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and initially attempted to continue before being replaced by Alejandro Balde around the half-hour mark.

Barcelona confirmed on Monday that medical tests had revealed an injury to the syndesmosis in Espart’s right ankle.

The club expects him to be sidelined for approximately seven weeks, dealing another blow to Flick’s defensive options.

Espart’s absence is particularly frustrating given the progress he has made since breaking into the first-team picture.

A product of La Masia who joined Barcelona as an under-eight player in 2015, he is a versatile footballer capable of operating in midfield or at either full-back position.

He also helped Spain win the European Under-19 Championship in 2026 before earning a more prominent role with Barcelona’s senior squad.

His injury adds to the problems surrounding Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia, while Jules Kounde has also been managing fitness concerns.

With several defenders unavailable, Flick must find solutions as Barcelona prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

For Espart, the immediate focus is recovery.

His message, however, suggests the young defender is already looking beyond the setback and determined to make his return count.

 

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