CAS Keeps Barca's Bench Silence as Clasico Looms: Flick Banned, Sorg Takes the Helm
24 October 2025
Key Updates Ahead of El Clasico
Barcelona announced that German coach Hans Flick will not be allowed to sit on the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu for the Clasico against Real Madrid, scheduled for Sunday in La Liga round ten.
According to Mundo Deportivo, CAS rejected Barca's appeal to overturn the suspension, upholding the disciplinary decision.
As a result, Flick will miss the dugout and Markus Sorg will take charge from the technical area, directing the team and making decisions during the match.
Barça also said Sorg would appear at the pre-match press conference on Saturday at the Joan Gamper training complex, before the squad flies to Madrid in the afternoon.
Flick's Red Card, Controversy and Pre Clasico Context
Flick's frustration boiled over in Girona in the ninth round of La Liga, with the referee Jesús Gil Manzano showing him a red card for harsh protests and time wasting at added time.
Moments after his sending off, Ronald Araújo scored a dramatic late winner as Barca clinched three precious points in a 1-1 context, delivering a dramatic late twist that left fans buzzing.
Barça's management addressed the celebrations, with some critics deeming the gesture inappropriate; Barca officials explained it referenced a traditional Catalan dish called botifarra as a nod to local culture.
Flick said: "Football is emotion, and my celebration wasn't aimed at anyone. I accept the referee's decision and did not direct any words at him personally."
Clásico Form and Historical Context
Before the Clasico, Barca had played nine La Liga games with seven wins, one draw and one loss, including a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano and a heavy 1-4 loss to Sevilla.
Real Madrid had the same number of games, recording eight wins and one loss, including a 2-5 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Barça sit on 22 points, second in the table, two behind Real Madrid who regained the lead with a win over Getafe, setting the stage for a fiery Clasico.
Clasico History and Last Season's Encounters
Last season, the Clasicos were a source of drama across competitions. In La Liga round 11, Barca defeated Real Madrid 4-0, marking Flick's first Clasico win as Barca boss against Carlo Ancelotti, who had previously enjoyed a string of victories against Barca.
The Barca goals came in the second half: Lewandowski scored twice, with Lamine Yamal and Rafinha adding the other strikes.
In the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, Barca surged to a 5-2 victory after Madrid had briefly led, with Yamal, Lewandowski and Rafinha (two) and Balde on the scoresheet for Barca.
In the Copa del Rey final on 26 April 2025, Real Madrid led 2-1 but Ferran Torres equalized at 84 minutes, sending the game to extra time where Jules Conde scored the decisive goal for Barca at 116, sealing the cup.
The league season’s second meeting saw Madrid take a 2-0 lead, only for Barca to come back and win 4-3 at the Camp Nou, securing the league title for Barca.
Flick's recent history includes moments that have kept the spotlight on him, but the upcoming Clasico remains the biggest stage for both clubs to stamp their authority.
PUNCHLINE 1: If patience is a tactic, Flick just turned it into a one-man show on the touchline.
PUNCHLINE 2: Football is emotion; Flick’s celebrations prove it—just add popcorn for the fans and wait for the whistle.
All eyes are now on the Clasico, where the bench will be empty for Flick but the drama will be in full swing on the field.
