Sunday’s El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu takes center stage in our Real Madrid vs Barcelona prediction and preview. The two rivals are only separated by two points at the top of La Liga ahead of their first meeting of the season.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Preview
The Santiago Bernabéu prepares for one of football’s most iconic fixtures as Real Madrid welcome Barcelona for the first El Clásico of the 2025-26 season. With only two points separating the rivals at the summit of La Liga, this encounter carries enormous significance for both clubs’ title ambitions and the continuation of recent historical trends.
Barcelona certainly had Real Madrid’s number last season, and now, as the Blaugrana prepare to meet their historic rivals for the first time in 2025-26, a slice of history is within their grasp. Hansi Flick’s side dominated last season’s meetings with ruthless efficiency, recording four straight victories en route to an unprecedented treble.
The Catalans’ clean sweep of silverware – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España – was built on comprehensive victories over their greatest rivals. Barcelona’s 4-0 and 4-3 league triumphs, a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory in the Copa del Rey final, and a dominant 5-2 Supercopa success demonstrated their tactical and psychological superiority throughout the campaign.
This remarkable sequence means Barcelona could now match their longest-ever winning run against Madrid in all competitions. The Blaugrana have only previously won five straight Clásicos under Pep Guardiola from 2008 to 2010, a period that defined Barcelona’s golden era and established their dominance over Spanish football.
Flick’s achievement becomes even more remarkable when placed in historical context. The German is one of only two coaches to win his first four matches in the entire history of El Clásico, for either team. The other, predictably, was Guardiola, whose five consecutive victories came in his first five encounters with Real Madrid.
Barcelona currently sit two points behind Real Madrid at the La Liga summit, their position complicated by a recent 4-1 defeat at Sevilla that ended an impressive unbeaten away run. The Catalans had not lost any of their previous 15 away games in the competition (W11 D4) and have not suffered back-to-back road defeats since April 2024, when Xavi oversaw successive losses including a 2-0 reverse at the Bernabéu.
However, Barcelona’s response to the Sevilla setback has been emphatic. They edged out Catalonian neighbors Girona 2-1 in La Liga before demolishing 10-man Olympiacos 6-1 in the Champions League, with Fermín López’s hat-trick making him the first Spaniard to score three goals for Barcelona in Europe’s premier competition. Marcus Rashford’s two-goal contribution in that rout demonstrated the attacking depth available to Flick.
Rashford’s integration into Barcelona’s system has proceeded smoothly, with the English forward desperately seeking his first taste of El Clásico glory. His nine goal involvements in all competitions this term (five goals, four assists) represent the most of any Barcelona player, marginally ahead of Lamine Yamal’s eight (three goals, five assists).
Competition for attacking positions remains fierce despite Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo’s injury absences. Raphinha (three goals, two assists), Ferran Torres (five goals, one assist), and López (five goals) have all contributed significantly, helping Barcelona amass 33 goals already in 2025-26. Only Bayern Munich (44) have scored more in all competitions among teams from Europe’s top five leagues.
Barcelona’s offensive prowess in La Liga has been particularly impressive, with their 24 goals representing the highest total in the competition. Remarkably, they have also struck the woodwork more than any other team in Spain’s top flight, doing so 10 times already. This is only the second time since Opta records began in 2003-04 that a team has hit the woodwork at least 10 times in their first nine games of a La Liga season, with Barcelona themselves achieving this feat last term with 11.
Real Madrid enter El Clásico trailing Barcelona by just two points despite suffering a significant setback in their only defeat since the summer’s Club World Cup – a 5-2 derby loss to Atlético Madrid. This rare stumble represents the sole blemish on Xabi Alonso’s impressive debut campaign as Los Blancos boss.
The team’s response has been positive, maintaining a perfect Champions League record that continued with Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Juventus. Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season secured that crucial win, marking the English midfielder’s return to form following shoulder surgery that caused him to miss the campaign’s opening weeks.
While Bellingham recovered, others have seized their opportunities to shine. Arda Güler has emerged as a creative force with eight goal involvements this season (three goals, five assists), trailing only Kylian Mbappé (15 goals, 2 assists) and Vinícius Júnior (5 goals, 4 assists) in Madrid’s attacking contributions.
Mbappé’s goal-scoring exploits have been nothing short of sensational. Among all players from Europe’s top five leagues, only Harry Kane (20 goals) has outscored the Frenchman this season. His hat-trick in the most recent Clásico, despite Barcelona’s 4-3 victory in May, demonstrated his ability to deliver in football’s biggest fixtures.
The French superstar’s record against Barcelona makes for fascinating reading. Mbappé has scored 11 goals in eight appearances against the Catalans in all competitions during his career with both Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, netting five times in four Clásicos. However, he has lost every one of those meetings, creating a personal psychological barrier he will be desperate to overcome. His tally of 11 goals represents the most he has scored against any single non-French team in his club career.
Vinícius Júnior’s attacking threat adds another dimension to Madrid’s forward play. The Brazilian leads all players in La Liga for touches in the opposition area this season with 79, ahead of Mbappé (74) and Rashford (56), both of whom could feature prominently on Sunday.
Alonso faces the historical challenge that has plagued recent Madrid coaches on their Clásico debuts. Seven of the last eight Madrid managers have lost their first meeting with Barcelona in La Liga, with Zinedine Zidane’s 2-1 victory at Camp Nou in April 2016 representing the sole exception to this troubling trend.
However, Madrid’s recent home form provides genuine cause for optimism. Los Blancos have won their last eight home games in the league and could win nine in a row for the first time since February 2015, when that nine-game streak came during Carlo Ancelotti’s first stint in charge.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between Real Madrid and Barcelona reveals fascinating patterns that provide context for Sunday’s encounter. Though Barcelona dominated last season with four consecutive victories, the broader La Liga record offers a more nuanced picture of this historic rivalry.
Real Madrid have won seven of their last 11 La Liga clashes with Barcelona (L4), achieving the same number of victories as in their previous 29 Clásico matches in the competition (D7 L15). This statistical anomaly highlights the dramatic shift in competitive balance that has occurred in recent seasons.
The absence of draws in recent encounters adds to the fixture’s dramatic appeal. None of the last 11 meetings between Madrid (7 wins) and Barcelona (4) in La Liga have ended in a draw. This represents the longest run without a stalemate in El Clásico history since a streak of 18 matches between 1977 and 1986 (10 wins for Madrid, eight for Barcelona).
This pattern of decisive results reflects the attacking philosophies embraced by both teams in recent years, with defensive solidity often sacrificed in pursuit of victory. The high-scoring nature of recent encounters – including Barcelona’s 4-0, 4-3, 3-2, and 5-2 victories last season – suggests Sunday’s match will likely produce goals at both ends.
Barcelona’s four consecutive victories over Madrid last season represent their most dominant period in the rivalry since Guardiola’s era. The comprehensive nature of those wins – across three different competitions – demonstrated both tactical superiority and psychological dominance that Real Madrid will be desperate to overturn.
However, Real Madrid’s superior record when considering only La Liga fixtures provides evidence that the Catalans’ recent dominance may not be as overwhelming as last season’s results suggest. The cyclical nature of this rivalry means periods of dominance rarely last indefinitely.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Real Madrid – Team News
Xabi Alonso approaches this crucial Clásico with several defensive concerns that will require careful squad management. Los Blancos will definitely be without central defender Antonio Rüdiger due to injury, while the Spanish coach has promised to provide an update on Dean Huijsen when he addresses the media on Saturday.
Huijsen suffered a calf injury during international duty with Spain earlier in the month, missing games against Getafe and Juventus as a result. The positive news is his return to training, though whether he will be risked from the start against Barcelona’s potent attack remains uncertain.
If Huijsen is not rushed back, then Aurélien Tchouaméni could partner Éder Militão in central defense, forcing a tactical adjustment that would remove one of Madrid’s most effective midfield destroyers from his natural position. This defensive reshuffle could leave Madrid vulnerable to Barcelona’s technical midfielders.
In a significant boost for Real Madrid, captain Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all trained with the group on Friday and have been named in the squad to face Barcelona. Their availability provides Alonso with valuable options for different tactical approaches.
Alexander-Arnold has been absent since limping off against Marseille in last month’s Champions League fixture, but may have to settle for a place on the bench given his lack of match fitness. The English defender’s creativity from right-back could prove valuable if introduced as a substitute.
Jude Bellingham scored Madrid’s winner against Juventus in midweek and will be pushing to start alongside Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior in support of the red-hot Kylian Mbappé, who has netted 15 goals across all competitions this season.
Real Madrid – Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Valverde, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras
- Midfielders: Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Guler
- Forwards: Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr
Barcelona – Team News
Barcelona face their own selection challenges, with several key absences forcing Hansi Flick to make tactical adjustments. Most notably, new first-choice goalkeeper Joan García and club captain Marc-André ter Stegen remain unavailable, meaning Wojciech Szczęsny will deputize between the posts as he seeks his first clean sheet of the campaign.
Jules Koundé should be available despite being substituted in the 6-1 victory over Olympiacos earlier in the week. However, Flick – suspended for the game – has a significant decision to make in central defense, with Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, and Eric García competing for two starting positions.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are expected to form the midfield double pivot, allowing Fermín López to operate as the number 10 fresh off netting a hat-trick in the Champions League. This tactical setup provides Barcelona with technical superiority in midfield while maintaining defensive solidity.
In attack, Robert Lewandowski is sidelined with a thigh problem sustained on international duty with Poland. Ferran Torres should receive the nod to lead the line after being rested against Olympiacos following his own injury scare while representing Spain.
Raphinha has lost his fitness battle after missing training on Friday, meaning Marcus Rashford could make his El Clásico bow as the left-sided attacker – potentially crossing paths with Trent Alexander-Arnold at some point if both players feature.
Barcelona – Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Szczęsny
- Defenders: Koundé, Cubarsí, Araújo, Balde
- Midfielders: De Jong, Pedri, López
- Forwards: Yamal, Torres, Rashford
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Prediction
This encounter presents the ultimate test of both teams’ title credentials, with tactical sophistication meeting raw attacking quality in what promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The psychological dynamics of Barcelona’s recent dominance versus Real Madrid’s home fortress mentality add layers of complexity to the tactical battle.
Barcelona’s quest for a fifth consecutive victory against their greatest rivals provides enormous motivation, with the opportunity to match a record established during their greatest-ever period under Guardiola. However, the historical significance also creates pressure that could affect performance levels.
Real Madrid’s home advantage at the Santiago Bernabéu cannot be understated, particularly given their eight-game winning streak at the stadium. The crowd’s support and familiar surroundings should provide crucial psychological benefits in such a high-pressure encounter.
Alonso’s challenge as a debutant Clásico coach adds intrigue, given seven of the last eight Madrid managers have lost their first meeting with Barcelona in La Liga. However, his tactical acumen and the team’s current form suggest he may buck this troubling trend.
The defensive concerns facing both teams create genuine opportunities for attacking players to exploit. Madrid’s makeshift backline without Rüdiger could struggle against Barcelona’s technical forwards, while Szczęsny’s search for a clean sheet suggests vulnerability in Barcelona’s goal.
Mbappé’s personal motivation to finally taste victory against Barcelona adds another compelling element. His 11 goals against the Catalans without a single win creates a narrative of redemption that could inspire a match-winning performance.
However, Barcelona’s attacking depth and recent goal-scoring form suggest they possess multiple routes to goal. Even without Lewandowski and potentially Raphinha, the Catalans can call upon Rashford, Torres, Yamal, and López to provide attacking threat.
The absence of draws in recent fixtures suggests this match will produce a decisive result, with both teams committed to attacking football that prioritizes victory over caution. The high-scoring nature of recent encounters indicates goals at both ends.
Real Madrid’s home form and desire to end Barcelona’s winning streak should provide enough motivation to secure at least a draw, while Barcelona’s superior recent record and attacking quality make them slight favorites despite playing away from home.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2–3 Barcelona
When and Where to Watch El Clasico in India? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Indian football fans can catch the Real Madrid vs Barcelona El Clásico live on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 8:45 PM IST at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
For live streaming in India, the match will be available on the FanCode app and website with a subscription. Unfortunately, the match will not be broadcast on any television channels in India, making digital streaming the only option for Indian viewers to watch this historic encounter.
This represents a change from previous broadcasting arrangements, with FanCode now holding the streaming rights for La Liga matches in India for the 2025-26 season. Fans will need to download the FanCode app or visit their website and purchase a subscription to access the live coverage.
This historic encounter between Spanish football’s two giants promises to be a spectacular showcase of attacking football, making it essential viewing for Indian football enthusiasts. With Barcelona seeking a record-equaling fifth consecutive victory and Real Madrid looking to defend their home fortress, the stage is set for another memorable El Clásico.
FAQs
When and where is the Real Madrid vs Barcelona match?
The El Clásico fixture takes place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 8:45 PM IST at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain.
How can Indian fans watch the match?
Live streaming is available exclusively on the FanCode app and website with a subscription. The match will not be broadcast on any TV channels in India.
What’s Barcelona’s recent record against Real Madrid?
Barcelona won all four meetings last season (4-0, 4-3 in La Liga; 3-2 in Copa del Rey final; 5-2 in Supercopa). They could match their longest-ever winning run (5 straight) set under Guardiola from 2008-2010.
Which key players are injured for both teams?
Real Madrid miss Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, with Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal doubtful. Barcelona are without Joan García, Marc-André ter Stegen, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha (fitness doubt).
What records could be broken in this match?
Barcelona could match their longest-ever winning streak against Real Madrid (5 consecutive victories). Hansi Flick could become only the second coach after Pep Guardiola to win his first five El Clásico matches. Real Madrid could win nine straight home league games for the first time since February 2015.
