Real Madrid welcome Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday for the first El Clásico of the 2025/26 La Liga season, a showdown that could prove pivotal in the title race.
Los Blancos currently lead the table by two points ahead of their eternal rivals, and victory today would see them open up a five-point gap at the summit.
Real Madrid Eyes Widening the Gap
Real Madrid head into the clash in superb shape, winning 11 of their 12 matches across all competitions so far this season. Their only defeat came against Atlético Madrid in late September.
Under Xabi Alonso, Madrid sit top of La Liga with 24 points from nine matches. Their latest league outing saw them edge past Getafe 1–0, before another narrow 1–0 win over Juventus in the Champions League, sealed by a decisive strike from Jude Bellingham.
Despite some defensive lapses, conceding nine goals in nine league games, Madrid boast the second-best attacking record in the division with 20 goals, just four behind Barcelona.
Barcelona battling injuries
Barcelona arrive at the Bernabéu buoyed by a 6–1 thrashing of Olympiacos in midweek Champions League action, a win that restored some confidence after a rocky few weeks.
Domestically, Hansi Flick’s men bounced back from a heavy 4–1 defeat to Sevilla before the international break by beating Girona 2–1 last weekend.
However, injuries continue to plague the Catalan side, forcing Flick to reshuffle his lineup, especially in attack and defense.
Team news and expected lineups
Real Madrid Absences & Team News
Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen, but remain without Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba.
Federico Valverde is likely to continue at right-back, while Raúl Asencio should partner Éder Militão in central defense.
Predicted Real Madrid XI:
Courtois; Valverde, Militão, Asencio, Carreras; Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
Barcelona Absences & Team News
Barcelona, meanwhile, are still without several key names: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Joan García all remain sidelined.
Jules Koundé is a major doubt after missing recent training sessions, while Frenkie de Jong has returned following illness and is expected to start in midfield.
Predicted Barcelona XI:
Szczesny; Eric García, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermín López, Rashford; Ferran Torres.
Tactical battle: Flick vs Alonso
Sunday’s clash promises an intriguing tactical duel between Hansi Flick and Xabi Alonso.
Flick is expected to stick with his trademark high-pressing and rapid transition game, while Alonso favors controlled possession and structured buildup from the back.
