Rodri needed a rest for Barca ahead of Clasico

PARIS, OCT 21: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Rodri would be back in the starting line-up for Sunday's Clasico showdown against Real Madrid after being rested at kick-off in the Champions League loss away to Paris Saint-Germain.

"Yes, but you know Rodri played a lot of minutes with the national team and also the last games with us," Flick told reporters after Barcelona's 4-2 defeat in Paris on Tuesday.

"I spoke with him this morning and I told him that we made this decision, and Marc Bernal started instead. For me, it was a good solution what we did and hopefully he is fresh on Sunday." Rodri came on after an hour of the game in Paris, as Barcelona's perfect record this season came to an end.

The Catalans had twice come from behind, with Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal replying to goals by Desire Doue and Lucas Hernandez for the hosts. Yamal made it 2-2 in the 79th minute, but Vitinha put PSG back in front two minutes later before Fabian Ruiz sealed the victory for the defending European champions.�"AFP