Real Madrid will be desperate to end a miserable run against Barcelona this season, having already lost all three previous meetings.
The stage is set for a blockbuster clash on Sunday afternoon at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium as league leaders Barcelona take on second-placed Real Madrid in the latest chapter of El Clasico. The result of this fixture will have massive implications for the La Liga title race.
Barcelona currently sit four points clear at the top of the table, and victory this weekend would see Hansi Flick’s side extend that gap to a commanding seven points. The Catalans have strung together four consecutive league wins and know that another triumph over their fiercest rivals would put them firmly in control of the title race.
For Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, Sunday’s match is a must-win if they are to keep their hopes of reclaiming the league crown alive. The visitors have also won four straight games but have struggled to close the gap due to Barca’s consistency. Real will be desperate to end a miserable run against Barcelona this season, having already lost all three previous meetings across the league, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
Barcelona have received a timely boost with full-back Alejandro Balde returning to full training after overcoming a hamstring injury. The youngster is expected to slot straight into Hansi Flick’s starting XI.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski is also in contention to start, having featured off the bench in the midweek clash against Inter following his recovery from a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez has shaken off a muscle complaint and should be fit to feature in central defence.
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However, Barcelona remain without Jules Kounde and Marc Bernal, who are both ruled out through injury, while Pablo Torre and Marc Casado are considered doubtful due to ongoing knee issues. Dani Rodriguez also remains sidelined.
A key decision looms in goal, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen back to full fitness. The German international could replace Wojciech Szczesny, who has impressed in his stint as the club’s stand-in No.1 goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Madrid head into Sunday’s title-defining El Clasico with a depleted squad as several key names remain sidelined through injury. Defenders Antonio Rudiger (suspended), Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and David Alaba, along with midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, are all ruled out for the rest of the season, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with a major selection headache.
Rodrygo is expected to return to the squad after missing the Celta Vigo clash due to illness, but youngster Arda Guler could retain his place in the starting XI following his standout display in that match. With defensive reinforcements thin, Federico Valverde could be deployed at right-back. Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos are likely to partner in midfield, allowing Jude Bellingham to play further forward in support of the attack.
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Tchouameni, F Garcia; Ceballos, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
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