Barcelona:Barcelona faced a significant blow during their 2-1 loss to Real Madrid when key defender Xavi Espart was forced to leave the field due to injury in the 29th minute of the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 season.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Espart, who had been experiencing discomfort in his soleus muscle leading up to the match, had received an injection to enable him to play. However, his condition worsened after a contact with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, necessitating his early departure from the game.

Alejandro Balde came on as a substitute for Espart, with Joao Cancelo shifting to the right-back position. The extent of Espart’s injury remains unclear, and Barcelona is awaiting medical tests to determine how long the defender might be sidelined, posing a challenge for coach Hansi Flick in terms of defensive options.