Barcelona Reveal Hansi Flick Suffered Heartbreaking Loss of His Father on the Eve of El Clasico

Barcelona confirmed that Hansi Flick's father has died on the eve of their potentially title-sealing clash against Real Madrid.

The German coach broke the news to his Barcelona players and club officials on Sunday morning as the squad gathered ahead of El Clásico, according to reports. Shortly afterwards, the club issued a statement expressing their solidarity with Flick.

"Barcelona and the entire Blaugrana family want to send all our love to Hansi Flick following the loss of his father," Barcelona said in a statement. "We share in your grief and our thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this painful time."

Nevertheless, Flick is still expected to take his place in the dugout for El Clásico on Sunday evening, where a point would be enough for the Catalans to claim back-to-back La Liga titles.

Real Madrid Show Support for Hansi Flick

The heartbreaking news cast a shadow over the build-up to one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season, with tributes and messages of support for Flick pouring in from across the football world.

Before attempting to derail Barcelona's title party, Real Madrid set aside their fierce rivalry and issued their own statement offering condolences to Flick's family in their time of grief.

"Real Madrid, their President and board of directors are deeply saddened by the passing of the father of Hansi Flick, Barcelona's head coach," Madrid's statement read. "Real Madrid wishes to convey its condolences and warmth to his family and all those close to him. Rest in peace."

According to AS, Barcelona players will wear black armbands during El Clásico and a minute of silence will be observed in memory of Flick's father before kick-off.

Despite the tragic circumstances and the personal hardship Flick is enduring away from football, he will look to extend his remarkable record in El Clásico.

Since his arrival in Catalonia, Barça have won all five matches against Real Madrid with Flick in the dugout. The only loss during that period came in the reverse fixture in October, when Flick was serving a suspension and assistant Marcus Sorg stood in as caretaker at the Bernabéu.

A single point would be sufficient to hand Barcelona the La Liga title, with the Catalan side currently holding an 11-point advantage with just four games remaining.