Image Source: Sports Illustrated
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona, known as El Clásico, is set to unfold this Sunday afternoon. The two titan teams of Spanish football will meet for the 262nd time at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with momentum and rivalry at its peak in the 2025–26 La Liga season.
El Clásico: What’s at Stake?
This clash isn’t just another game; it’s a pivotal moment in the La Liga standings. Currently, Real Madrid leads the table, having won eight out of their nine league matches under the management of Xabi Alonso. Barcelona, however, isn’t far behind, trailing only two points, which makes this match crucial in the race for the La Liga title.
Historically, Real Madrid holds a slight head-to-head advantage over Barcelona. Yet, recent encounters have decidedly favored the Catalans, who bested Los Blancos in all four matches last season. Barcelona scored an impressive 16 goals during their previous campaign, securing a domestic treble and leaving Real Madrid searching for answers.
Kick-off Information
Fans eager to witness this thrilling encounter should note that the match will commence on:
- Date: Sunday, October 26
- Kick-off Time: 3:15 p.m. BST / 11:15 a.m. ET / 8:15 a.m. PT
- Location: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Team Form and Injury Updates
Real Madrid Lineup News
Real Madrid enters this epic showdown with a few key player returns. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen have all returned to training and are expected to be available. Ferland Mendy has also rejoined the squad, while David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger remain sidelined due to injuries.
With the potential returnees in the mix, here’s how Real Madrid might line up:
- Formation: 4-1-2-3
- Predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni; Bellingham, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
Barcelona Injury Concerns
Conversely, Barcelona faces a more uncertain situation with several injuries hampering their squad. Players like Joan García, Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo are expected to miss out. While there’s hope for Frenkie de Jong’s recovery from illness, Raphinha is likely out for El Clásico.
The predicted lineup for Barcelona is as follows:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Predicted XI: Szczęsny; E. García, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, López, Rashford; Torres.
Match Predictions
As both teams grapple with injuries and fluctuations in form, predicting the outcome of El Clásico becomes complex. Nevertheless, the impressive attacking talent on both sides promises an entertaining affair. Superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Yamal, and Vinícius Júnior are expected to play pivotal roles in the game.
Considering the current form and the missing players, a draw seems a plausible outcome for this fierce rivalry. Many experts forecast a scoreline of:
Prediction: Real Madrid 2–2 Barcelona
As the build-up to El Clásico continues, fans worldwide will undoubtedly be glued to their screens to witness what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry. Will Real Madrid reclaim their dominance, or will Barcelona continue their recent supremacy?
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next El Clásico scheduled?
The next El Clásico is set for Sunday, October 26, 2025, kicking off at 3:15 p.m. BST.
Where will the match take place?
The match will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
What time does the match start in different time zones?
The match will start at 11:15 a.m. ET and 8:15 a.m. PT.
Who are the key players to watch in this El Clásico?
Look out for stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and talented youngsters like Yamal as they could impact the game significantly.
What are the current standings in La Liga heading into this match?
Real Madrid is currently leading La Liga, with Barcelona closely following just two points behind them.
