The stage is set. Real Madrid and Barcelona are about to collide in one of the most anticipated matches of the year — El Clásico.
This isn’t just another league game. This is about pride, power, and top spot in La Liga. With Madrid leading the table by just two points, every second of this match will count.
Match Details
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Barcelona (La Liga, Matchday 10)
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Time: 11:15 a.m. ET / 4:15 p.m. local time
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
This will be the 262nd competitive El Clásico. Madrid currently have 105 wins, Barcelona 104, and 52 draws. A Barça victory would level the all-time record.
Team News and Lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3)
- Predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni; Bellingham, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
- Injury update: Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba remain out. Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are back but may start on the bench. Dean Huijsen returns, which boosts Madrid’s back line.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
- Predicted XI: Szczęsny; Koundé (or Eric García), Cubarsí, Araujo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Rashford; Ferran Torres.
- Injury update: Ter Stegen, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Lewandowski, and Raphinha are all out. Koundé and Ferran are fitness doubts but may feature.
Four Tactical Battles That Could Shape the Match
1. Mbappé vs Barcelona’s High Line
Barcelona love to defend high up the pitch. But against Mbappé, that can be a dangerous game. Last season, he was caught offside multiple times, but once he figured them out, he exploded. With Valverde and Güler feeding him early passes, one well-timed run could break Barcelona open.
2. Lamine Yamal vs Álvaro Carreras
Yamal has been electric this season. His dribbling numbers are off the charts. Carreras will have a long day trying to contain him one-on-one. If Madrid double up to stop him, it could leave space on the opposite side for Rashford or Ferran to pounce.
3. Midfield Battle: Bellingham vs Pedri
This will be the heart of the match. Madrid now press higher under Xabi Alonso, and Bellingham leads that charge. On the other side, Pedri and De Jong will try to keep the ball and slow the tempo. Whoever controls this area will dictate the flow of the game.
4. Set Pieces and Second Balls
This might not sound glamorous, but it could decide the match. Madrid are short on center-backs and have looked shaky defending corners. Barça can target that with Araujo and Cubarsí in the air. But Madrid are equally dangerous on the break after set pieces — especially with Bellingham lurking at the far post.
Form and Momentum
- Madrid: Top of the table with eight wins out of nine. Their only loss came in a 5–2 beating by Atlético Madrid, but they’ve been solid ever since.
- Barcelona: Just two points behind, but they’re missing several key players. Their attack has leaned heavily on youngsters like Yamal and Rashford.
Madrid have lost their last four Clásicos, which adds even more fire to this matchup. This is their chance to flip the script.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
- Total Meetings: 261
- Real Madrid Wins: 105
- Barcelona Wins: 104
- Draws: 52
- Last 4 Clásicos: Barcelona won all four, scoring 16 goals in those games.
Prediction
This will be intense. Barcelona’s injuries give Madrid the edge, and playing at home in a closed-roof Bernabéu adds to that advantage. If Mbappé finds space early, things could get ugly fast.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3 – 1 Barcelona
A draw is possible if Barça nick a set piece or Yamal delivers some magic, but the momentum leans Madrid’s way.
Why This Clásico Matters
This isn’t just about three points. It’s about a psychological shift. A Madrid win would stretch their lead to five points and end Barcelona’s recent dominance in the rivalry. A Barcelona win would put them back on top and remind everyone they’re still a force — even with half their squad missing.
Get ready. This El Clásico isn’t just a game. It’s war in white and blue-red stripes.