Barcelona host Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday 25 October (kick-off 8 pm GMT) in the first Clásico of the season, with Hansi Flick’s side five and six points clear of Atlético and Real Madrid, respectively, but coming off their first defeat, a 4-2 loss at PSG.
Real Madrid arrive on the back of 4-1 wins over Sevilla and Leipzig, with Kylian Mbappé on 11 goals in 11 games and Vinícius Júnior suspended. José Mourinho is back in the fixture for the first time since 2013.
Form & what’s at stake
Barcelona won their first 11 games of the season, nine in La Liga and two in the Champions League, before Tuesday. At the Parc des Princes, they trailed to Désiré Doué’s goal in the 38th minute, equalised through Xavi Espart early in the second half, went behind again to a Lucas Hernández header from a corner, and levelled through Lamine Yamal around the 79th minute before Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz won it for PSG. They lead La Liga with 27 points, Atlético are second on 22 and Real Madrid third on 21.
EL CLÁSICO NEXT! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1uBeqsphrs
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 21, 2026
Real Madrid have found form at the right moment. They beat Sevilla 4-1 at the Bernabéu on Sunday 18 October, with Arda Güler scoring in the 30th minute, Mbappé in the 37th, and then a Panenka penalty after the break, with Yan Diomande completing the scoring after Manu Bueno’s consolation. On Wednesday, they beat RB Leipzig 4-1 to stay perfect in the Champions League. They have also lost to Real Betis and Atlético Madrid in the league this season.
The history is recent and fierce. Barcelona won the Supercopa final 3-2 in January and beat them 2-0 at the Camp Nou in May, clinching their 29th title. Real Madrid won the first Clásico of last season 2-1 at the Bernabéu in October 2025.
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Team news & injuries
Barcelona’s list has grown. Dani Olmo was injured against PSG in a collision with Vitinha and is out with a serious muscle problem; Andreas Christensen, Eric García, and Roony Bardghji are also out. Jules Koundé could return. Raphinha is available after coming back from a thigh problem.
Real Madrid are without Vinícius, who is serving a four-match league ban after his red card against Villarreal. Raúl Asencio, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are injured. Mbappé is a near-certain starter in every preview.
Predicted line-ups
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan García – Espart, Cubarsí, Martin, Cancelo – Pedri, Rodri, Fermín – Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois – Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella – Silva, Tchouaméni – Diomande, Bellingham, Güler – Mbappé.
These are projections, and the sources disagree on both teams. We won’t know the proper line-up until 2 hours before the game. Vinícius is the only name we’re certain will be missing.
The key battle
Mbappé against Barcelona’s high line. He has 11 goals in 11 games, and he scored a Panenka penalty against Sevilla. If Barcelona’s centre-backs step up out of sync, one ball in behind could change the game, and Olmo’s absence takes away a midfielder who helped protect the line.
The other contest is Yamal against whoever starts at Madrid’s right-back, probably Valverde. Yamal scored against PSG, and he is still just 19. Madrid’s full-backs have been exposed in Europe, and he is the player who will test them.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Predictions & tips
Barcelona have the home advantage and look better on paper, but they are hurt; they are fresh off a defeat, and Real Madrid arrive in form. This doesn’t mean much in an El Clásico. Mourinho’s side scores goals in almost every match, while Flick’s scores 4-5 goals a game. We expect goals at both ends, and a draw would suit both sides.
Tip: Both teams to score. Predicted score: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid.
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