Fierce arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in La Liga for the first time this season. Aside from a 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu last term, Barcelona have triumphed over Real Madrid in seven of their last eight meetings across the Supercopa de España, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey. Meanwhile, as Real Madrid's accusations regarding Barcelona's Negreira case have grown increasingly fierce, the relationship between Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Barcelona president Joan Laporta has completely collapsed. Consequently, the traditional pre-Clásico directors' lunch has been called off, adding even more animosity and tension to this high-stakes encounter.
Venue: Spotify Camp Nou
Local Kick-off Time: Oct 25, 2026 9:00 PM
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Barcelona
Form & Tactical Outlook:
Barcelona enter Sunday's El Clasico sitting at the summit of La Liga with 27 points, having won each of their opening nine matches to lead second-placed Atletico Madrid by five points. In midweek European action, Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the campaign, losing 4-2 away to European champions Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening. In their previous domestic league outing, Barcelona defeated Real Betis 5-2 in Seville last weekend. A victory on Sunday would see Barcelona open up a nine-point advantage over Real Madrid. In recent head-to-head fixtures, Barcelona have won six of their last seven matches against Real Madrid in all competitions, including a 2-0 home victory in the corresponding fixture during the 2025-26 campaign. Barcelona have not lost at home to Real Madrid since October 2023, with their last two league defeats against Los Blancos taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Team News:
Barcelona will be without Dani Olmo (adductor), Roony Bardghji (knee), Andreas Christensen (thigh), and Eric Garcia (thigh) for El Clasico. Jules Kounde is a major doubt due to an ankle problem and is currently unlikely to feature. Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart are expected to fill the full-back positions, with Rodri and Fermin Lopez both likely to be reintroduced into the starting lineup following the PSG match. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will start in the attacking third, while Anthony Gordon is expected to retain his position on the left flank.
Real Madrid
Form & Tactical Outlook:
Real Madrid currently sit third in Spain's top flight with 21 points. Los Blancos head into the derby following a 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, having also defeated Sevilla 4-1 in La Liga last weekend. Following a league defeat to Atletico Madrid prior to the September/October international break, Jose Mourinho's side have posted four consecutive wins across all competitions against Villarreal, Roma, Sevilla, and RB Leipzig. Real Madrid have four matches scheduled before the upcoming international break, facing Barcelona, Racing de Santander, and Valencia in La Liga, alongside an away trip to AEK Athens in European competition.
Team News:
Rodrygo (knee), Ferland Mendy (hip), and Raul Asencio (leg) will miss the match at Camp Nou through injury, while Vinicius Junior is suspended. Manager Jose Mourinho may deploy Federico Valverde at right-back, which could allow Bernardo Silva to enter the starting lineup based on his performance against RB Leipzig. Arda Guler and Yan Diomande are likely to occupy the wide attacking positions, with Jude Bellingham operating as the number 10 behind central striker Kylian Mbappe.
