Barca have since steadied the ship by beating Girona and Olympiacos at home following the international break and spirits should be high amongst the squad despite a mini-injury crisis.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, have won all but one game in all competitions so far this season – though the defeat was significant as they were battered 5-1 by city rivals Atletico Madrid a month ago.
Despite the loss, Real Madrid currently have a two-point lead over their big rivals and only need to avoid defeat to keep their advantage and position at the top of the table in tact.
This fixture will be Xabi Alonso’s biggest to date since taking charge in the summer and there is pressure on the Spaniard to get a result and halt Madrid’s bad run against Barcelona.
That said, Alonso will not be going head-to-head with Flick – at least on the touchline.
Why is Hansi Flick banned for Real Madrid vs Barcelona?
Flick will not be in the away dugout at the Bernabeu this afternoon after being sent off amid the late drama in Barcelona’s win over Girona last weekend.
The German tactician was shown two yellow cards in quick succession by referee Gil Manzano over protests against the amount of time added on as his side chased a winner.
After Ronald Araujo scored to secure all three points with virtually the last kick of the game, Flick was seen near the dugout slapping his left hand against his right arm twice.
Though, Flick insisted his celebration was not targeted at the officials.
Dismissed: Hansi Flick
Getty Images
“Football is about emotions, it’s about tension. It wasn’t for anyone, it was just a celebration,” he said. “Frenkie was there and they showed him a card. My reaction wasn’t directed at the referee. And I don’t know why he showed me the second one.
“The celebration wasn’t against anyone, it was about how we won. I was happy. I don’t and won’t do anything against anyone. I accept the referee’s decision. It wasn’t against him. I applauded so the team would react.
“I tried to talk to the referee, but I couldn’t. He went his own way, and I couldn’t. I accept the referee’s decisions; he makes the decisions. What I did had nothing to do with him. If he doesn’t want to talk to me, that doesn’t make me sad; I accept that.”
