Hansi Flick and José Mourinho cross paths once again. For the first time, it will be in a Clásico, to be held this Sunday at the Spotify Camp Nou. It will be their second meeting as coaches, after a previous encounter in the 2019-20 season, when the German was in charge of Bayern Munich and the Portuguese was on the Tottenham bench.

In that first meeting between Flick and “Mou”, the German got the better of the Portuguese. It came in the group stage of the most prestigious continental competition, in the 2019-20 season. The match, played at the Allianz Arena, ended in a clear 3-1 win for the Bavarians, thanks to goals from Coman, Müller and former Barça player Coutinho. The win was part of the run of a Bayern side that went on to have an extraordinary season, crowned by a sextuple.

Flick victorious against Ancelotti, Xabi and Arbeloa

Hansi Flick’s record against Real Madrid is almost perfect. The German coach has stamped Barça’s mark on the recent Clásicos. He has brought immense joy to Barcelona supporters, with six wins and just one defeat. What is more, four of those victories over the eternal rivals have helped the club fill its trophy cabinet: two Spanish Super Cups (2024-25 and 2025-26), one Copa del Rey (2024-25) and one Liga title (2025-26). This dominance has come through victories over three different coaches on the Madrid bench. Flick first got the better of Carlo Ancelotti on four occasions.

He then beat Xabi Alonso in one meeting, while suffering a defeat against him in the first half of the 2025-26 Liga season. He also came out on top in his only duel with Álvaro Arbeloa. Three coaches and three distinct periods that illustrate the German’s ability to compete with his main rival. Now a new chapter of touchline duels opens in the Clásico: Flick versus Mourinho.

Mourinho and Barça: a most demanding rivalry

During his first spell in charge of Real Madrid (2010-2013), Mourinho faced Barça 17 times across various competitions: La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. That period was marked by an intensity, a competitive tension and a rivalry that gave rise to Clásicos that still resonate today. Examples include Barça’s 5-0 Liga win in the 2010-11 season and the Champions League semi-finals that same season.

The Portuguese coach’s record against the Catalans was five wins, six draws and six defeats.

Six matches, six defeats. Over the course of the meetings, the rivalry evolved into ever more intense and hard-fought encounters, marked by turnarounds on the scoreboard and a tactical demand that turns every duel into a high-level battle.

Now it is time for a new chapter in the history of the Clásico. Flick’s Barça have won everything in La Liga and sit in first place, while Mourinho’s Real Madrid are 6 points behind, a gap in the standings that adds further appeal to one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the season.