Real Madrid vs Barcelona: El Clasico Pick & Prediction, 26 October 2025
The stage is set for the first El Clasico edition of 2025/26 as Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday afternoon, October 26. With just two points separating Spain’s greatest rivals at the top of the La Liga table, the 262nd Clasico carries immense early-season significance.
A win for Xabi Alonso’s Blancos would see them move five points clear of the reigning champions and strengthen their grip on first place, while Hansi Flick’s injury-hit Blaugrana will be determined to prove that their early stumbles were nothing more than growing pains.
Head-to-Head History (H2H: Real Madrid vs Barcelona)
Barcelona had Real Madrid’s number last season, winning all four meetings between the rivals, including an impressive 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu last October. That sequence represented one of the Blaugrana’s most dominant stretches in recent Clasico history.
Hansi Flick’s men went on to beat Carlo Ancelotti’s Blancos 5-2 in the Super Cup final in January before two more crucial wins in the spring: 3-2 and 4-3 in the Copa del Rey final and La Liga actions, respectively.
However, the balance of power may be shifting right now. Real Madrid have been the more consistent side domestically this term, while Barcelona’s defensive instability and lengthy injury list could tilt the pendulum back in Los Blancos’ favor this weekend.
Real Madrid: Current Form and Team News
Real Madrid enter El Clesico on Sunday with momentum firmly on their side. Xabi Alonso’s men have been near flawless this season, winning 11 of their 12 matches across all competitions, with their only blemish coming in the Madrid derby against Atletico – a heavy 5-2 loss four weeks ago. Since then, they’ve pieced together a strong run of results, including a 1-0 league win at Getafe last weekend and another narrow Champions League victory over Juventus in midweek, courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the campaign.
Despite not always hitting top gear, Real Madrid have shown remarkable consistency and resilience under new boss XAlonso, combining attacking flair with tactical control. Sunday’s derby provides the perfect opportunity for Los Blancos to make a statement against their greatest rivals – and perhaps settle a score after four straight losses to Barcelona last season.
The La Liga leaders will look to extend their advantage at the summit to five points when Barcelona visit the Santiago Bernabéu, though Alonso faces several selection dilemmas due to returning players and lingering defensive concerns.
According to reports in Spain, summer signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as veteran Dani Carvajal are all expected to recover in time for Sunday’s clash, while Dani Ceballos is also set to make the matchday squad after a minor issue. However, Alonso remains cautious about rushing any of them back into the starting XI.
Consequently, Federico Valverde is once again likely to be deployed at right-back, with Eder Militao anchoring the defence. Should Huijsen prove fit enough to start alongside the Brazilian, his composure and progressive passing out from the back would add a vital dimension to Madrid’s buildup play.
Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba both remain sidelined through injury, while further up the pitch, Bellingham is expected to start behind the fearsome trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Júnior, and either Arda Guler or Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono.
Barcelona: Current Form and Team News
With his first El Clasico against Xabi Alonso fast approaching, Hansi Flick must navigate a growing injury crisis that threatens to derail Barcelona’s rhythm. The Catalans steadied the ship after their 4-1 loss to Sevilla before the international break, responding with a 2-1 victory over Girona and a resounding 6-1 thrashing of Olympiacos in midweek Champions League action. Even so, their mounting list of absentees remains a major concern ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated trip to Madrid
The biggest setback came on Friday when Raphinha missed training amid renewed hamstring concerns. The Brazilian winger, who has three goals and two assists in six La Liga matches this season, had only just returned from a month-long layoff. Domestic reports suggest that he may have suffered a relapse and could face another spell on the sidelines.
Compounding Flick’s problems, Jules Kounde is also a serious doubt after missing several training sessions due to discomfort from a knock. The French defender has been confined to gym work in recent days, and his participation will depend on a late fitness test. If ruled out, Ronald Araujo or Eric García could be asked to fill the gap at the back.
Goalkeepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Joan García are both sidelined, leaving veteran Wojciech Szczesny as the most reliable option between the sticks for Barcelona. Elsewhere, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski remain unavailable, though the Polish forward is progressing well in his recovery and could return in early November.
On the brighter side, Frenkie de Jong is fit again after a brief illness and is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Pedri, while Ferran Torres has shaken off a muscle issue and could feature against Real Madrid, though Flick may prefer to ease him back from the bench.
Marcus Rashford is likely to continue as the central striker after scoring twice against Olympiacos on Tuesday night, with Lamine Yamal and Fermín López offering width and more creativity through the flanks and from second position. Swedish teenager Roony Bardghji, who impressed midweek with an assist, and Dro Fernandez are other options should Flick opt for more energy out wide or if Ferran is not fully fit.
Barcelona’s morale has improved after their recent wins over Girona and Olympiacos, and victory at the Bernabéu would see them leapfrog Real Madrid into top spot – a huge psychological boost following a mixed start to the campaign. However, with a depleted defence and several key absences, Flick’s men will need another inspired performance to repeat last season’s clean sweep of victories over Los Blancos.
Tactical Duel: Xabi Alonso vs Hansi Flick
This first El Clasico of the 2025-26 season meets Xabi Alonso’s structured, fluid attacking blueprint against Hansi Flick’s trademark transitional chaos and vertical pressing. A fresh tactical duel following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure at the end of 2024-25.
Real Madrid’s diamond midfield, anchored by Aurelien Tchouaméni and driven by Jude Bellingham’s late surges, allows Alonso’s men to dominate the central channels. Furthermore, expect Vinícius Junior and Kylian Mbappe to target Barcelona’s weakened full-back zones, constantly switching positions and darting in behind the defensive line.
For the Catalans, Frenkie de Jong’s return is vital for ball progression, while Pedri must orchestrate tempo and transitions. Lamine Yamal’s fearless dribbling offers Barcelona’s most unpredictable outlet in the final third, yet with a patched-up backline and limited rotation options, Blaugrana may find themselves under sustained Madrid pressure for long stretches.
Possible Starting Lineups of Real Madrid and Barcelona
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois – Federico Valverde, Eder Militao, Rau Asencio, Alvaro Carreras – Aurelien Tchouaméni, – Franco Mastantuono, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe – Vinícius Junior. (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny – Eric García, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde – Pedri, Frenkie de Jong – Lamine Yamal, Fermín Lopez, Dro Fernandez – Marcus Rashford. (4-2-3-1)
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Betting Prediction and Odds
With home advantage and a fully fit attacking unit, Real Madrid enter El Clasico as narrow favourites at -105 with EveryGame, while reigning champions Barcelona are priced at +225 and a draw currently sits at +320.
To be fair, Real Madrid’s consistency, combined with Barcelona’s injury-depleted squad, makes them the logical pick for Sunday’s Clasico. Goals, however, seem almost inevitable whenever these two giants of European football collide. Expect fireworks at both ends, but Los Blancos look in a better position to secure their first victory over Barca since April 2024.