FC Barcelona will continue its journey through the United States against Real Madrid. The summer Clásico has become a preseason 'tradition' for both squads and the Barça team has shown in recent years that they know how to play them, achieving victory in the previous two years. The team's excitement has been renewed with the arrival of Hansi Flick and they are looking to take advantage of the emotional momentum to defeat the meringues again.

The sensations of the culés in the preparations prior to the start of the official competitions could not be better. The team led by the German coach began its journey through American lands on the right foot, achieving a victory against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City based on character and personality. The young talents of La Masia showed their mettle when the 'potatoes burned' and, from the penalty shootout, they took a victory that has raised the morale of a team 'revolutionized' by the German.

A Barça full of intensity

And the 'stamp' of the former Germany coach is beginning to show in the team. Flick has emphasized the physical aspect, a section in which, in line with Laporta, he considers that a leap in quality must be made. The German's game idea is built on high and aggressive pressure, so the players must be in optimal conditions and this could be seen in the duel against the 'skyblue' team, where footballers such as Gerard Martin, Lenglet, Sergi Domínguez and Fort put this plan into practice with notable success.

At the end of the match against the Mancunians, Hansi showed his discomfort by stating that "we defend too low. It's not what I like the most. We have to improve it", making it clear that the demand is maximum and that, with each game that passes, we will see a better Barça. The clash against the meringues could serve as a 'thermometer' in this progress, since it is evident that the culés are 'put on' by this type of matches and, with the incentive of being Flick's first Clásico, we could see a version ' overwhelming' of the Catalans.

A 'stunned' Madrid

For its part, the team led by Carlo Ancelotti left more doubts than certainties in its debut on the tour against AC Milan. While it is true that in pre-season matches the meringues do not usually show their best version, it is evident that the team is still on 'vacation' and is not quite getting started. In the 1-0 defeat against the Rossoneri, many youth players saw minutes due to the lack of first team players, but players like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes and Eder Miitao have already returned to training and could be part of the Classic.

In fact, the great candidate to win the Ballon d'Or could start from the beginning alongside an Endrick who left a lot to be desired in his debut as a Real Madrid player. This situation of 'daze' in the Viking expedition can be taken advantage of by a Barça more plugged in than ever, with the players focused on understanding the message that Flick hopes to 'get through' in the locker room and 'fighting' on the pitch for the opportunity. to find a place in the plans of the German, whose squad is not yet defined.

Important returns to the starting eleven

The Blaugrana coach could start from the start with an extremely competitive team, with important returns to the starting eleven. 'Heavyweights' like Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan could see minutes from the opening whistle, accompanied by Alejandro Balde who aims to be a 'great starter', the 'Marcs' duo who could have an important role in the squad throughout of the season and several footballers who are risking continuity in Barcelona, ​​such as Iñigo Martínez or Clément Lenglet.

The truth is that the Clásico, as usual, aims to be a duel full of emotions, where the Barça team can hit the table for the start of the new season. Times change from one second to the next, and although in Madrid they won the Champions League and the League last season, the landing of Hansi Flick in Barcelona can mean a new era. This Sunday will be the first test.

Technical index card of the party: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona