Barcelona Suffer Defensive Strains Ahead Real Madrid Clásico

Barcelona secured a commanding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos in their UEFA Champions League group stage match, boosting their confidence ahead of the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid. Despite the overwhelming scoreline, the match revealed some vulnerabilities, including defensive issues and reliance on a crucial red card against Olympiacos that shifted momentum. Two young players, Lamine Yamal and Dro Fernández, made history by both registering assists in the same Champions League game, a feat last achieved 30 years ago. Barcelona's recent form has been inconsistent, exacerbated by injuries, but the return of key players like Yamal and Raphinha offers hope for improvement. Meanwhile, Olympiacos struggled throughout the match and continue to face difficulties, including a run of 11 straight defeats in this Champions League stage. The upcoming El Clasico presents a significant challenge, with Barcelona eager to replicate last season's success against Real Madrid amid ongoing squad issues and defensive concerns.