Barcelona's reported starting XI for the Oct. 25 El Clásico against Real Madrid includes Rodri, Pedri and Lamine Yamal. Fabrizio Romano posted the XI, and Rob Usry's USA TODAY report lists the same starters.
Combining Romano's names with USA TODAY's positional breakdown, Joan García is in goal; Xavi Espart, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and Cancelo form the defense; Rodri and Pedri are in midfield; Yamal, Fermín López and Gordon play in attacking midfield; and Raphinha is up front. Usry writes that Espart remains at right back in the back four used against PSG, while Fermín takes Olmo's role behind Raphinha.
USA TODAY reports that coach Hansi Flick is without Jules Koundé, Olmo, Eric García and Andreas Christensen, and also lists Bardghji as out. Usry describes the absences as leaving Flick "thin in defense once again." The report says Olmo injured his left adductor in the loss to PSG and Barcelona expected him to miss around a month. Flick, quoted by USA TODAY, called Olmo unlucky and said, "We'll miss him."
USA TODAY lists the match for 4 p.m. ET at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, with ABC, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes among the viewing options. ESPN FC said the clubs entered what it called their 265th meeting tied in El Clásico wins.
