Absence At El Clasico Due To Red Card, This Is The Barcelona Coach's Answer

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. (fcbarcelona.com)

JAKARTA - Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will miss accompanying the team against Real Madrid at El Clasico La Liga Spain next week, due to a red card in the match against Girona. Flick did not question if he had to miss Barca's dramatic 2-1 win over Girona.

Flick couldn't contain his emotions when celebrating a goal from defender Ronald Araujo who decided Barca's victory in a duel at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium, Saturday, October 18, 2025 evening WIB.

Flick's goal celebration in the stands was full of emotion because Barca played a difficult match. Moreover, the goal was created before the game was over.

Facing Girona who is at the bottom, Barca must work hard from the first minute of the match. Barca did start the match well. The game has only been running for 13 minutes, the Blaugrana has already excelled through Pedri who completed Yamal's Lamine assist.

But Barca's 1-0 lead did not last long. Girona managed to equalize the score through Axel Witsel's overhead kick. After Witsel's goal, Barca seemed to have difficulty breaking into the visitors' goal.

Repeatedly failing to complete the opportunity, including the annullation of Pau Cubarsi's goal, Barca finally won after Araujo beat goalkeeper Girona Paulo Gazziga in injury time.

"A fantastic match. It's also important for the players how we get the next three points. This is at least increasing our confidence. I'm satisfied with the team's performance," said Flick who led Barca to La Liga title last season.

We created many chances. But to be honest, Girona also created quite a lot of opportunities in the first half. Now, we are facing the next game which is very important, "he said again referring to the match against Madrid which is Barca's arch rival.

Regarding the celebration of Araujo's goal which was created after he was shown a red card, Flick admitted that he could not contain his emotions.

The former Bayern Munich coach got a second yellow card followed by a red card for arguing with the referee. But he turned down the goal celebration as a form of outlet expression because the referee kicked him out.

My goal celebration was not aimed at anyone. I was so emotional celebrating the goal because we managed to win. I am very happy. I didn't mean anything with the goal celebration, including pointing to someone," said Flick, who accepted the referee's decision to give him a red card.

"I accept the referee's decision," replied he, who was forced to miss accompanying the team against Madrid.

Victory over Girona brought Barca back to the top of the standings with a point of 22. A one-point lead with Madrid dropping to second. But Madrid will take that position again if they win over Getafe.