The stage is set for the biggest game of the 2025-26 season so far, as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to face off in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
It's a battle between first and second in La Liga, as Barcelona look to leapfrog their eternal rivals to claim top spot in the league table.
The Blaugrana are fresh off a big 6-1 win over Olympiacos at home on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, with Fermin Lopez scoring a hat-trick and Marcus Rashford bagging a brace.
Last weekend, Hansi Flick's squad defeated Catalan rivals Girona 2-1 thanks to a late winner by Ronald Araujo. The win allowed Barca to keep pace with Madrida at the top of the standings, as they now sit two points shy of the leaders with 22 points.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, narrowly defeated nine-man Getafe 1-0 thanks to an 80th minute strike by Kylian Mbappé. They followed it up with a 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League for a perfect three wins in three games in Europe this season.
Barcelona has dominated this matchup of late, winning all four meetings with Real Madrid during the 2024-25 season, including in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa Del Rey finals, while outscoring the Merengues 16-7. The Catalans prevailed 4-0 in this fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu a year ago.
Where to Watch FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Bellingham Balde Real Madrid Barcelona
When: Sunday, October 26 – 11:15AM ET / 8:15AM PT
Where: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Where to watch in the United States: ESPN+
FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Betting Odds
Kylian Mbappe in action for Real Madrid against Juventus
Real Madrid to win: -105
Draw: +320
FC Barcelona to win: +220
Both teams to score (Yes/No): -340 / +240
Over/Under 3.5 goals: -128 / +104
Kylian Mbappe first goalscorer: +320
Marcus Rashford anytime goalscorer: +180
Vinicius Jr. anytime goalscorer: +125
Lamine Yamal to score or assist: -105
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.
FC Barcelona Team News and Predicted Lineup
FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates
LaLiga - Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona - Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain - August 31, 2025 FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Flick will be without a number of his most important players when his team travels to the Spanish capital on Sunday.
Robert Lewandowski, Joan Garcia, Gavi and Dani Olmo will all miss the pivotal clash, while Raphinha seems unlikely to recover from a hamstring injury in time to join the squad either. Jules Koundé missed training on Thursday and Friday with a knock, and is a doubt to start against Madrid.
Ferran Torres is expected to start at striker, with Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford playing behind him in creative roles.
FC Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczęsny (GK) – Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde – Pedri, Frenkie De Jong – Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Marcus Rashford – Ferran Torres.
Real Madrid Team News and Predicted Lineup
ttrent real madrid
Xabi Alonso could be receiving some good news on the injury front, as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen are expected to return to fitness in time for Sunday's Clasico.
Federico Valverde is still in line to start at right-back, leaving a spot open in the midfield for Arda Guler.
Franco Mastantuono has impressed in recent weeks and could join Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. in an attacking trident, with Jude Bellingham operating behind.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois – Federico Valverde, Eder Militao, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras – Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham – Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.