Barcelona are looking to bounce back after a humbling 4–1 defeat to Sevilla before the international break, with Hansi Flick’s side now regrouping ahead of a crucial run of fixtures that includes the El Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26.

Midfielder Pedri González admitted that the loss in Seville was Barça’s worst performance under Flick. Since then, injuries to Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have deepened the team’s problems. However, there is some relief for the German coach, with Lamine Yamal and Fermin López returning to training this week and expected to feature against Girona. Raphinha is also nearing full fitness.

Teenage star Yamal missed the Sevilla defeat and Spain’s World Cup qualifiers due to a recurring groin injury but is likely to return for the Girona derby—a timely boost for Barcelona ahead of a demanding stretch that includes a Champions League clash with Olympiacos on Tuesday, just days before El Clásico.

Flick’s squad remains stretched, with Joan García, Gavi, and Marc-André ter Stegen still sidelined. With limited options for rotation, the coach has emphasized the need to stay positive after the team’s first defeat of the season.

“It’s one match, we lost it, and we have to keep going,” said Flick, highlighting his side’s improved second-half display after a dismal first period.

The loss left Barcelona two points behind leaders Real Madrid, although it was not their first unconvincing showing this campaign. A 1–1 draw at Rayo Vallecano in August prompted Flick to criticize his players’ attitude, warning that “ego kills success” after last season’s domestic treble triumph.

That message appeared to resonate, as Barça went on a winning run even without Yamal, until the young forward’s setback in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain preceded their collapse in Seville.

Last season, Barcelona started strongly but faltered in November and December, surrendering top spot to Atlético Madrid. Flick will be determined to prevent history from repeating itself, and facing 18th-placed Girona at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc hill offers a prime opportunity to reset the team’s momentum. The Camp Nou’s redevelopment continues to face delays, with no confirmed reopening date.

“I’m really looking forward to going back to Camp Nou with all our fans,” said Frenkie de Jong after extending his contract until 2029. “I don’t know when that will be, but we can’t wait.”

Elsewhere in LaLiga, Real Madrid visit Getafe on Sunday, with Carlo Ancelotti hopeful Kylian Mbappé has recovered from an ankle injury. Villarreal, sitting third, host Real Betis, while Atlético Madrid welcome Osasuna.

LaLiga fixtures – Key notes

• 4: Liga matches in which Barcelona have conceded first
• 7: Unbeaten matches for Atlético Madrid
• 28: Yellow cards for Sevilla, the most in the top flight

Player to watch: Getafe midfielder Luis Milla has been pivotal this season, providing five assists—the joint-most in LaLiga. If Getafe are to take points off Real Madrid in their derby clash, Milla will likely be at the heart of it.