SEVILLE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with teammate Lamine Yamal after scoring their team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Seville, Spain.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
The biggest La Liga clash of the season arrives as Barcelona will take on Real Madrid. With this clash taking place at the Spotify Camp Nou, both teams will be eager to get all three points for themselves in this match.
However, with certain injuries plaguing the team, Hansi Flick will need to be careful with his team selection. He managed to rotate the starting eleven a bit against PSG, but he will not have that liberty in this game against Los Blancos.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against Real Madrid.
Predicted Barcelona starting XI
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
The Spaniard was simply sensational in the previous game, and he will be looking to continue that form here. With him looking as confident as he does right now, Barcelona can rest assured he will be a literal wall for Los Blancos to get past.
Right-back: Xavi Espart
Scored Barça’s first goal in his previous outing against PSG, and he looks to be in great form. Moreover, given the team’s current injury issues, Xavi Espart could have a huge role to play.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
Remains the team’s best option at centre-back and his elite qualities could be essential in this game. From his distribution to his defensive abilities, both will be crucial here.
Centre-back: Gerard Martin
Certainly was not at his best in the recent game against PSG, but Gerard Martin has proven himself to be a reliable partner to Pau Cubarsi. For that reason, Barça can count on him to do well here.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo
Lackluster in his previous outing, but this will be a chance for him to redeem himself. However, he will need to be vigilant in terms of his defensive duties against this dangerous Madrid side.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17: Rodri of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio La Cartuja on October 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
CDM: Rodri
Did not start the previous game against PSG, but he should be ready to start this clash against Real Madrid. As long as Hansi Flick can start Rodri and Pedri together, Barcelona should have the quality to dominate the midfield.
CDM: Pedri
Incredible against PSG, Pedri’s form coming into this game is exactly what Barcelona were hoping for. With him playing like this, the team will be confident about their chances of dominating Los Blancos.
RAM: Lamine Yamal
Even in games where his influence can dwindle, Yamal is now managing to find the back of the net. That could be crucial in certain matches this season, and Barcelona will be hoping the young winger can do both things in this match.
CAM: Fermin Lopez
With Dani Olmo out injured currently, it becomes quite clear that Fermin Lopez is Flick’s only choice in the attacking midfield role. Fortunately, he has the qualities to succeed in that role and has shown that in the past.
LAM: Anthony Gordon
Embarrassingly ineffective in the last game against PSG, and if he ends up starting here he needs to make more of his opportunities. After all, Barcelona have faith in him to deliver in the big moments.
Centre-forward: Raphinha
Returned to the starting eleven in the previous game against PSG but did not get to play the full match. However, he will likely have a lot more work to do in this particular clash against Real Madrid.
Alejandro Balde of Barcelona is dejected Alejandro Balde of Barcelona is dejected during the Champions League match between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 25 November 2025.
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